On July 24, 2019, Mr. Khajornsak Chiaratanakul, Director of the Land Bank Management Institute (Public Organization), or LBMI, discussed the progress of establishing land banks and the project for distributing land ownership. LBMI has been continuously working on this initiative across various regions of Thailand, with four main projects underway: 1. A pilot land bank project in five communities covering two provinces, Chiang Mai and Lamphun; 2. A comprehensive land management project; 3. A project to address the loss of land rights for farmers and the poor; and 4. A project to assist those affected by government land policies.

           “Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved an extension for LBMI for another three years, with annual performance evaluations focusing on two aspects: the effectiveness of the work and the avoidance of budget burdens. If the first year does not meet expectations, the project will be terminated. However, if we can work according to the planned framework and use the budget efficiently, we can extend it for another year at a time. Within these three years, we must establish a tangible land bank and clearly define its model. At the same time, we need to find a model for distributing land ownership. Once the land bank is successfully established, LBMI will cease its role and transfer responsibilities to the land bank,” he explained.

           The LBMI Director further clarified that in the first project, LBMI was able to assist 488 households facing land issues (out of a total of 499 households), completing work in four communities. One community in San Sai, Chiang Mai, is still experiencing delays due to rising land prices and some land having overlapping titles with the Forestry Department or being donated to educational institutions. The second project involves comprehensive land management where farmers form groups as agricultural institutions, with LBMI providing support at every step to ensure sustainable and secure land ownership. Additionally, LBMI has collaborated with 15 government and private organizations to promote livelihoods, having already implemented four projects in communities in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima; Nam Daeng Development, Chai Buri, Surat Thani; a community in Mae Kok, Mueang, Chiang Rai; and a community in Nakhon Si Thammarat, involving approximately 150 households and a budget of around 120 million baht.

           “Our goal is to ensure that villagers or farmers retain ownership of their agricultural land for as long as possible, preventing it from falling back into the hands of investors. This is the philosophy guiding our organization’s work. Currently, all projects are in progress, with Phimai in the process of acquiring about 200 rai of land. We are implementing two models: one for collective land ownership with consolidated titles and another for individual allocation upon completion of lease payments. The amount of land each farmer receives will depend on the group's assessment and the farmer's repayment capacity,” he added.

           Regarding the third project, which addresses the loss of land rights for farmers and the poor, it has been ongoing since 2016-2017. The most common issue encountered is farmers borrowing money from LBMI to redeem land for cultivation, often becoming guarantors for others' loans. When the borrowers default, creditors pursue the mortgaged land with LBMI. Consequently, LBMI has adopted a new approach by purchasing the land and allowing the original owners to lease it back over a 30-year period, ensuring that farmers retain access to land even amidst overwhelming debt. For the project assisting those affected by government policies, LBMI is working to provide new land. Currently, a project is underway in Khao Din, Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao, an EEC area where most farmers engage in aquaculture, requiring an average of half a rai of usable space. LBMI is collaborating with the Community Organization Development Institute (Public Organization) to address housing issues for this group.

           Farmers and the poor seeking financial assistance can find more information on the website www.labai.or.th or contact via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0 2278-1244, 02278-1648 ext. 601, 602, 610, or mobile 09 2659 1689.

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