Alpine Golf Course Land Dispute Resurfaces, Threatening Thai Prime Minister’s Position

The resurfacing of the Alpine Golf Course land dispute is creating political turbulence for Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Allegations surrounding the transfer of Alpine company shares and the historical ownership of the land are now under intense scrutiny, potentially impacting her position. The Election Commission is actively investigating the matter, adding further pressure to the already tense political climate.

The Alpine Golf Course Controversy: A Deep Dive

The Alpine Golf Course, located in Pathum Thani province, has been a source of legal contention for decades. the core issue revolves around the land’s original ownership, with claims that it rightfully belongs to a Buddhist temple. Court rulings have supported this claim,stating that the land should be returned to the temple. However, the land remains the subject of ongoing legal battles and political maneuvering.

Did You Know? The initial court judgment declared that the Alpine Golf Course land should be returned to the temple due to its original status as monk land.

Key Players and Political Implications

Several key figures and political factions are involved in the Alpine Golf Course saga. The Shinawatra family’s connection to the golf course, notably Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s past shareholding, has drawn important attention.Opposition parties, such as the “Blue Camp,” are leveraging the controversy to challenge the Prime Minister’s legitimacy. The Ministry of interior’s role in land revocation decisions further complicates the matter, adding layers of political intrigue.

Recent Developments and Legal Challenges

The ministry of Interior recently revoked a prior decision concerning the Alpine Golf Course land, reigniting the legal battle. Alpine Golf and Sports Club Company Limited, the current owner, has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities, seeking to overturn the land revocation order. The Central Administrative Court is now tasked with resolving this complex legal challenge.

Pro Tip: Understanding the intricacies of Thai land law and administrative procedures is crucial to grasping the full scope of the Alpine Golf Course dispute.

The Election Commission’s Investigation

The Election Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s involvement with the Alpine Golf Course. Rueang Krai Ligitch Wattana, a former member of the Power Party, was invited by the EC on June 19, 2025, to provide clarification regarding the Prime Minister’s shareholding in Alpine between September 3 and September 16, 2014. The EC is examining whether this shareholding violates Section 170, paragraph one (5), in accordance with Section 187 of the constitution.

Financial Implications and Potential Compensation

the revocation of the Alpine Golf Course land titles carries significant financial implications. If the land titles are ultimately revoked, the state might potentially be required to pay approximately 7.7 billion baht in compensation. Alpine Company has already filed a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court, seeking temporary protection and requesting the revocation of the land designation.

Share Transfer Allegations and Opposition Scrutiny

The transfer of Alpine shares by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to relatives has become a focal point of opposition scrutiny. Wiroj Lakhana Adisorn and other opposition figures are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the share transfer, alleging potential conflicts of interest.The Department of Lands has stated that the share transfer was conducted legally and that the