BANGKOK, May 2 — A Thai court has sentenced billionaire businessman Prayudh Mahagitsiri to 24 years in prison for illegally expanding his luxury golf resort into protected forest land, local media reported.
BANGKOK, May 2 — A Thai court has sentenced billionaire businessman Prayudh Mahagitsiri to 24 years in prison for illegally expanding his luxury golf resort into protected forest land, local media reported.
Anti-corruption prosecutors brought the case in 2021, accusing the metal magnate of working with officials to obtain fraudulent land deeds to enlarge his Mountain Creek Golf Resort and Residences.
The 900-acre (360-hectare), 27-hole resort located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok, promotes itself as "a sensory multiplex for those with lofty desires." However, authorities found that 74 acres of the expansion encroached on land protected by conservation laws.
On Wednesday, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct found 79-year-old Prayudh guilty of multiple offenses, including bribery and land encroachment. Ten others were also convicted, including his daughter, who received a 12-year sentence.
Prayudh is appealing the verdict, according to reports.
With a net worth of US$2.6 billion (RM11.1 billion) and business interests in steel and coffee, Prayudh was ranked by Forbes as Thailand’s 10th richest person in 2024.
While golf remains a major attraction for tourists from Europe, Japan, and South Korea, the sport often draws criticism from environmental groups for transforming natural landscapes into water-intensive green courses. — AFP
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