Dhupatemiya Golf Course cannot be converted into a sports complex as the site is a military security stronghold, the Defence Ministry said.
Move Forward Party MP Chetawan Thuaprakhon said that the air force surrender Kantarat Golf Course and Dhupatemiya Golf Course to the government for conversion into public parks.
The army recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Treasury Department on using state land for commercial purposes.
Mr Chetawan previously said that the handover of Kantarat Golf Course, located between runways at Don Mueang Airport, would serve the government’s plan to expand and upgrade the airport.
On Monday Mr Chetawan filed a motion to consider turning the 625-rai Dhupatemiya Golf Course in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani into a sports complex.
Some parts of the premises could also be made a public park to increase the green area, he said.
The Move Forward Party has been spearheading a campaign to identify dozens of military-held properties and businesses — from golf courses to broadcasting — that have nothing to do with its core functions. As well, it has complained about a lack of transparency in accounting for the revenue the businesses generate for the military.
The Defence Ministry said that the air force commander-in-chief was delighted to hand over the Don Mueang course to the government.
However, the ministry disagreed with the idea of converting the Dhupatemiya site into a sports complex.
It said the location had in the past been a key military stronghold to defend the capital against foes from the North and Northeast.
