PHUKET, Thailand – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Thailand has initiated a comprehensive investigation into claims of land encroachment at Freedom Beach. This action follows accusations of obstructing public access, illegally charging tourists for entry, and occupying protected forest areas.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nuntachart Supamongkol, who serves as the assistant minister at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has directed relevant agencies to promptly examine access routes, the areas of land in question, and the ownership documents associated with Freedom Beach.
Legal actions are being pursued against individuals allegedly involved in a longstanding encroachment scheme that affects both forest land and public beachfront property. The investigation is a collaborative effort involving several agencies, including the Agricultural Land Reform Office, Internal Security Operations Command, provincial authorities, forestry officials, and local administrative units.
Reports indicate that this dispute has been ongoing for over a decade, with claims of a highly organized land occupation scheme. The operation is believed to have started around 2015, when individuals entered as caretakers for the original landowner, subsequently taking control of the land after the owner’s passing. There have also been previous instances where officials were accused of improperly issuing land ownership documents.
Allegations suggest that influential individuals became involved in the operation to extend territorial control and assert exclusive rights over access routes leading to the beach. Utilizing the region’s steep mountainous landscape, suspects reportedly obstructed public access and charged tourists between 200 and 300 baht per person to enter the beach, justifying the fees as necessary for maintenance and waste management.
Authorities have also uncovered attempts to manipulate land documents within official databases. An organized network is believed to have taken control of access routes to Freedom Beach, leveraging the area’s topography and questionable documentation to impose charges on beach access.
Previous investigations by Phuket provincial authorities and security agencies revealed over 57 rai of encroached land within the Khao Nak Kerd National Forest Reserve, resulting in 23 legal cases filed under the Forest Act and National Reserved Forest Act.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nuntachart emphasized that the ministry will not tolerate illegal occupation of forest land and public beaches for private gain, promising to expedite legal actions against those involved. He mentioned that officials are working closely with investigators to fortify legal cases and ensure that offenders are swiftly brought to justice.
The authorities reaffirm that this operation is part of a broader initiative to reclaim public forest areas and beaches from illegal occupation and restore national resources for public use.
Source: Pattaya Mail
