Prime Minister Autin Charnvirakul spearheaded a delegation on Wednesday, inspecting Koh Phangan in Surat Thani followed by a visit to Freedom Beach in Phuket. Accompanied by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and deputy ministers from the transport and interior ministries, the trip aimed to address encroachment on public land and the misuse of Thai nominees in foreign-owned businesses.
During his initial visit to Kohphangansuksak School, Mr. Charnvirakul received updates on efforts to combat foreign business operations that are in violation of the Foreign Business Act. In his address to the local residents and officials, he emphasized the need to tackle the growing issues associated with illegal business practices and land encroachment. “While we appreciate the contribution of foreign tourists to our economy, we want them to spend legitimately for travel and leisure, not to engage in illegal business activities. This behavior is unacceptable in our homeland,” he stated.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for visitors while emphasizing that they should not displace local jobs. “It is crucial to preserve our environment and maintain the beauty of our beaches. No one has the authority to claim ownership of public beaches adjacent to villas or hotels, as they belong to everyone,” he remarked. He also pointed out that land allocations should directly benefit local communities rather than being monopolized by individuals or companies for profit.
Mr. Charnvirakul characterized this visit as his first official monitoring trip to Koh Phangan to assess illegal activities impacting residents and to restore order. The government aspires for Koh Phangan to remain a desirable tourist destination while ensuring locals can earn a fair livelihood and enjoy a good quality of life.
Later, he proceeded to Freedom Beach in Phuket’s Kathu district, where provincial authorities, police, and forestry officials provided updates on legal actions against alleged encroachers and influential groups in the area. This visit coincided with a police-led crackdown on Koh Phangan, where 32 locations linked to suspected nominee business networks were raided. Officials reported that Koh Phangan has 3,754 registered legal entities, with 2,381 involving foreign shareholders. Investigations are ongoing for 243 of these firms, including 27 companies linked to nominee structures and ownership of 37 land plots valued at around 150 million baht.
In a related development, a 51-year-old suspect known only as Parintr turned himself in at Karon station on Tuesday, facing charges in four forest encroachment cases covering over 10 rai near Freedom Beach. Officials stated that these investigations arose from complaints regarding influential groups occupying protected forest land and attempting to sell parts to foreigners.
Chalermpong Saengdee, an opposition People’s Party MP for Phuket, highlighted the encroachment issue as a significant concern, given that Phuket’s economy heavily relies on natural resources and tourism. Authorities reported that this year, a total of 23 cases have been filed regarding encroachment and seizures in protected forest areas surrounding Freedom Beach, affecting land in the Karon and Patong subdistricts within the Nak Kerd mountain forest reserve.
Source: Bangkok Post
