Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denounced corrupt officials in Phuket for their role in facilitating land encroachment at Freedom Beach, labeling their actions as “disgusting.” This situation has attracted national attention, particularly after People’s Party MP Chaloempong “Sam” Saengdee reported receiving death threats during his investigation into illegal occupations on Freedom Beach and adjacent lands within the Khao Nak Kerd National Forest located in the Kathu district.
Chaloempong revealed that parts of the protected forest have been repurposed for a luxury resort development. He also reported that visitors were being charged an entry fee of 300 baht to access the beach, despite it being public land. Furthermore, he discovered that sections of forest land had been illegally sold to foreign investors for over 18 million baht.
During his investigation, Chaloempong alleged that a shooting threat was made against him by a suspect linked to the encroachment activities, later identified as Parinthon “Sia Lek” Rueangrattanawanich. Sia Lek subsequently surrendered to officers at Karon Police Station, where he denied any involvement in the forest encroachment or threats against the MP. He currently remains in custody at Phuket Provincial Court as legal proceedings continue.
On May 13, PM Anutin visited Freedom Beach to assess the disputed area and oversee the ongoing investigations into illegal construction projects on protected land. Authorities are also preparing to demolish structures believed to have been constructed unlawfully within the reserved forest area, aiming to restore the land for public use.
In comments to reporters during his visit, Anutin expressed that the area could have been transformed into a fully private resort if government intervention had not occurred. “If the government had not intervened in time, the area would have become a resort or hotel project. Taking over the entire beach, who is going to let that happen?” he remarked.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the individuals behind the encroachment intended to privatize the beach entirely. “If their plan had succeeded, it would have turned into their own private paradise, but that plan has just collapsed. They will have to serve their sentences in prison,” he stated.
Additionally, Anutin expressed his belief that some local officials may have facilitated the alleged encroachment. He questioned how significant construction projects, including a staircase with around 300 steps, could have been executed without the knowledge of government officials responsible for the area.
Referring to the officials allegedly involved in the encroachment, he reiterated his view of their actions as “disgusting” and confirmed that investigations would continue to identify all individuals connected with the operation. He also indicated that authorities suspect the existence of similar organized land encroachment schemes in other regions of Thailand, stating that investigations would be expanded nationwide.
Source: The Thaiger
