Anutin to inspect Bang Tao and Freedom Beach after threat in encroachment row
Local government agencies announced the visit yesterday evening (May 9), confirming that PM Anutin will inspect alleged encroachment at Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, Thalang, from 11:15am to 12:15pm before travelling…
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to inspect alleged encroachment at Bang Tao Beach and Freedom Beach in Phuket on May 10, local government agencies announced on May 9. His itinerary lists Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, Thalang, from 11:15am to 12:15pm, followed by Freedom Beach in Karon from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
Threats against MP intensified Freedom Beach dispute
The dispute escalated this week after Chalermpong Saengdee, Phuket Constituency 2 MP for the People’s Party, said he feared for his safety over threats linked to his investigation into alleged encroachment at Freedom Beach, also known as Mai Ngao Beach.
Speaking in Parliament on May 6, People’s Party members called on Anutin and Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin to act against alleged illegal land occupation and intimidation.
Chalermpong alleged that influential groups were operating businesses on the beach, including alcohol stalls, and said some officials were extorting bribes of up to B200,000 per day from operators there.
He also cited an online message reading, “Shoot the MP, bail is only 200,000 baht,” which he described as a direct threat against him.
Mar 24 operation found encroachment inside forest reserve
The controversy follows a Mar 24 operation in the hills behind Freedom Beach within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve, where more than 100 officials inspected the area.
Authorities reported widespread forest encroachment, including land clearing, road construction, buildings linked to luxury developments, illegal utility connections and land subdivision activity.
Five people were arrested during that operation for alleged Forest Act violations.
Officials also found four elephants chained inside the forest area.
Local agencies said Anutin’s visit would focus on enforcement efforts and alleged encroachment at both beaches, and that the inspections would be broadcast live through Phuket provincial public relations channels.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/anutin-to-inspect-bang-tao-freedom-beach-over-mafia-death-threat-100177.php
