Samut Prakan Residents Allege Temple Forged Documents, Submit New Evidence in Eviction Lawsuit

Samut Prakan, Thailand – Residents of the "Baarn Om Thong" housing project have submitted new evidence to the Ministry of Justice amidst an ongoing eviction lawsuit, alleging that a prominent temple has falsified documents. According to resident representatives, the temple has been manipulating land lease agreements to pursue eviction actions against residents. For years, since 1994, the residents have been paying "land rent" for the temple-owned land they occupy. However, in 2024, the temple allegedly unilaterally altered the payment receipts, changing the description from "land rent" to "building rent." This change, residents claim, is an attempt by the temple to assert ownership of the buildings themselves and reclassify residents as mere "building tenants," thereby demanding their eviction. Residents have presented evidence, including a report from the Samut Prakan Provincial Execution Office, which they argue confirms their status as land lessees. The temple, however, has contested this, labeling the investigation as "one-sided evidence gathering" and asserting that under the original contract, ownership of the buildings transferred to the temple immediately upon their completion. Contending that the temple's claims are factually inaccurate, the residents are seeking an official certificate from the Ministry of Justice to clarify the facts. This certification is expected to serve as crucial evidence in their legal battle. A resident representative stated, "The temple is causing damage to residents with false information," and expressed their determination to fight for their rights in court. Information Source: INN News