Anutin warns Phuket officials after Bang Tao public land complaints

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Bang Tao Beach in Phuket on May 10 to follow up complaints over encroachment on public land and threats against people using the area. He said the government would not allow “mafia” influence, warned that police and administrative officials who ignore intimidation would be removed, and said Bang Tao Beach is public land where people should be able to make a living.

Residents sought help when Anutin arrived, according to the government account. He said people had been misled into believing the area had already been “cleared” with police, provincial officials and the governor, even though the land has no title documents.

Illegal structures and orders for coordinated action

Anutin said every structure on the site was built without permission and is therefore illegal. He added that if operators acknowledge the violations, authorities will look for legal ways to allow shared use so people can continue earning income without breaking the law or the constitution.

He assigned Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasit to coordinate the response with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and local administrative bodies. Phuket’s forestry chief was instructed to prioritize legal compliance while preserving income opportunities.

Anutin also told people to submit evidence of wrongdoing to the Thalang district chief and other state officials. The Interior Ministry permanent secretary said the Phuket governor would integrate all agencies to turn Bang Tao into a sandbox for resolving public land encroachment cases.

Source: https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/politics/1233234