Wichet Musikkasangsee said he had also postponed filing the same indictment against the other 10 defendants after they petitioned him asking for a more extensive police investigation into a key allegation. The probe aims to determine whether land plots in Kapong district of Phang Nga province being dredged at their order were part of a national park.

All of the defendants including Vatana were directors of two palm oil-producing firms based in the southern province. The areas that have been dredged and bulldozed cover more than 13,000 rai.

Wichet said the indictment against Vatana in particular will soon be forwarded to Attorney General Pachara Yutithamdamrong, who will make a final decision on whether to order police to further their investigation of the encroachment allegations or drop the prosecution permanently.