Bonanza international speedway has ceased operating after charges were made that it illegally occupied forest and agrarian reform land.
“we went to the racecourse to post announcements about which parts of land we plan to reclaim, but the gate to the circuit was closed,” suntorn kanhajan , head of a forest-protection team, said yesterday.
The firm’s website, www.bonanzaspeedway.co.th, was also suspended.
Authorities are probing the speedway and related companies run by former politician Paiwong Taechanarong and his family, including a golf course and resort in nakhon ratchasima province, for possible encroachment.
If found violating land-use laws, the teachnarongs will not only be required to vacate the land but may also be subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
The forestry department and the agricultural Land Reform Office have already lodged complaints with police.
POL MAJ-GENERAL thakoon natteesri , provincial police chief, said authorities were sifting through records. “the process may take time but there’s a possibility of invoking article 44 of the provisional constitution to speed up the investigation.”