Parinthorn Ruengrattanawanich, better known as “Sia Lek”, surrendered to authorities at Karon police station in Phuket on Tuesday to face charges related to the encroachment of protected forest land at Freedom Beach.
The Phuket Provincial Court has ruled against granting bail to Ruengrattanawanich, raising concerns about potential interference with evidence and intimidation of local individuals who have filed complaints.
On Thursday, investigators from Karon police escorted the 51-year-old suspect to the provincial court where Pol Col Pathapee Srichai, head of the police station, sought to detain him further. Ruengrattanawanich is facing four charges associated with encroaching on the Nak Kerd mountain forest reserve, an area exceeding 10 rai.
Following his surrender on Tuesday, police opposed his bail during court proceedings, leading to the court’s decision at approximately 5:30 PM on Thursday to deny his release. The ruling was influenced by concerns that he might tamper with evidence or threaten local villagers who had made complaints to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
As a result of the court’s ruling, Ruengrattanawanich was promptly taken to Phuket Provincial Prison.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for an urgent investigation into local officials in Phuket and Surat Thani regarding their alleged involvement in businesses operating under foreign nominees, illegal land encroachment, and other illicit activities prevalent in major tourist regions.
Source: Bangkok Post
