Thailand’s land ownership disparity is one of the worst in the world. As such, land reform should be a crucial campaign policy for the upcoming general election. Unfortunately, it is not.
As the campaign heats up, the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) announced in February that it would give title deeds to farmers from the Sor Por Kor distribution scheme for the landless.
Joining the bandwagon is the Move Forward Party (MFP). Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat likewise pledges to give away Sor Por Kor land to landless farmers.
Mr Pita dismisses fears that it will lead to the privatisation of state farm land and ultimately land grabs by the rich. “MFP has total faith that local farmers will not sell land to investors,” Mr Pita told the media.
This is not land reform, but…
