Shinawatra’s Ownership of Golf Club Revoked, But a Way Out Remains
Shinawatra's Ownership of Golf Club Revoked in Pathum Thani was revoked. Learn about the legal proceedings, the Shinawatra family's response, and what happens next.
Introduction: The Revocation of Shinawatra's Ownership of Alpine Golf Club
In a significant development, the ownership titles to the Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Pathum Thani province have been revoked, affecting the Shinawatra family’s involvement with the golf course. The revocation comes after a ruling that the land on which the golf club and surrounding residences were built originally belonged to a Buddhist temple and thus could not be sold. However, despite the revocation, there is a potential path forward for the current occupants.
The Details of Shinawatra's Ownership of Alpine Golf Club
On January 20, 2025, sources revealed that Chamnanwit Terat, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Interior Ministry, signed an order to revoke the ownership titles of the Alpine Golf and Sports Club and its neighboring residential complex. The land was originally donated by a widow, Noem Chamnanchartsakda, to Wat Thammikaram Worawihan temple in 1971. The revocation decision has sparked widespread attention, as it directly impacts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's involvement in the Alpine Golf and Sports Club. As of September 2024, Paetongtarn, who held 22.41 million shares in the company, transferred her shares to her mother, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra. 
Possible Outcomes and Compensation for Affected Parties
Following the revocation, ownership will revert to Wat Thammikaram Worawihan temple in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The temple’s management has the option to lease the land back to the current occupants, including the Alpine Golf Club, and the Department of Lands (DoL) is expected to provide compensation, potentially up to 7.7 billion baht. The DoL has indicated that if affected parties decide to file lawsuits, the legal process could take years due to the complexity of the case. The department will adhere to facts and court rulings, ensuring fairness throughout the process.
Shinawatra Family's Response to the Revocation
Despite the revocation order, the Shinawatra family has expressed no concern over the situation. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister and father of Paetongtarn, stated that the Alpine Golf and Sports Club is prepared for any outcome. He emphasized that the land was obtained in good faith and that any accusations of wrongdoing were unfounded. “ Bangkok post obtained the land in good faith and acquired it second hand. Some wrongfully accuse us of cheating the temple, but we've done nothing wrong,” Thaksin said in a public statement.
Conclusion: Shinawatra's Ownership of Golf Club Revoked, But a Way Out Remains
Although the revocation of Shinawatra's ownership of Alpine Golf and Sports Club raises significant questions, there remains a potential resolution for the involved parties. The land will return to the Buddhist temple, and compensation will be considered, offering a way forward for all parties involved. Despite the legal complexities, the Shinawatra family remains confident in their good faith acquisition of the property.