Authorities Crack Down on Freedom Beach Encroachment in Karon

*The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phuket— More than 100 officers from multiple agencies joined forces to clear encroachment and illegal activities at Freedom Beach, a scenic coastal area within the Nak Kerd Mountain…*

Published: 2026-03-19 19:10 UTC Event date: 2026-03-18

Authorities Crack Down on Freedom Beach Encroachment in Karon

More than 100 officials from multiple agencies launched a major crackdown on illegal encroachment and activities at Freedom Beach in Karon, Phuket, on March 17–18, 2026. The operation targeted unauthorized construction, illegal fee collection, and alleged criminal activities within the Nak Kerd Mountain National Reserved Forest, following rising complaints from the public.

Major Operation Targets Illegal Activities at Freedom Beach

The coordinated action was led by Phuket Deputy Governor Rungreung Thimabutr and included officers from the Forest Resource Management Office 12 (Krabi branch), the Phuket Forest Center, the Khao To Sae Recreational Forest Unit, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, Border Patrol Police 425, Karon Police Station, and other agencies. The operation followed an official order issued on March 11, 2026, after reports of widespread encroachment and the construction of unauthorized residences, shops, and resort-style facilities allegedly controlled by influential figures in the area. Local authorities determined that their resources were insufficient to address the issue, prompting the large-scale joint effort.

Illegal Fee Collection and Weapons Discovered

During the operation, officers found individuals collecting entry fees of 300 baht per person from tourists seeking access to Freedom Beach. Authorities confirmed this practice is illegal, as the area is designated public land within a national forest reserve. Along Freedom Road, several makeshift huts were discovered, one of which contained a resident in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Other huts held chainsaws and construction tools, indicating ongoing illegal development. Suspects involved in both the illegal fee collection and possession of weapons were detained and handed over to Karon Police Station for prosecution.

Ongoing Inspections and Legal Action Planned

Officials also identified larger-scale encroachment that resembled resort development, with signage claiming private ownership of surrounding land. In response, forest officials announced further inspections would take place on March 18, 2026, to verify land claims and pursue legal action where necessary. Deputy Governor Rungreung Thimabutr emphasized that collecting fees from tourists is unlawful and urged the public to respect public lands. Authorities plan to launch public awareness campaigns to remind residents and visitors that national forest reserves are public property and not subject to private ownership or commercial exploitation.

The crackdown at Freedom Beach marks one of the most significant enforcement actions in Phuket against illegal encroachment in recent years. Authorities will continue monitoring the area and are expected to intensify legal measures against those found in violation of national forest regulations.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/18/authorities-crack-down-on-freedom-beach-encroachment-in-karon/