Five arrested in Freedom Beach hills raid

Five people were arrested on 25 March 2026 during a police operation targeting illegal activities in the hills near Freedom Beach, Phuket. The early morning raid involved officers from the Kathu Police Station and Phuket Provincial Police, who detained the suspects at two separate hillside locations.

Police seize evidence in coordinated Freedom Beach operation

Officers executed search warrants at 6:00 a.m., seizing construction equipment, land documents, and 12 mobile phones from the two sites. Authorities reported that the suspects were found overseeing unauthorized land clearing and building work on plots totaling 6,400 square meters. The operation covered an area approximately 1.2 kilometers from the main Freedom Beach access road. Police stated that the arrests followed a three-week surveillance period prompted by complaints from local residents.

Suspects face land encroachment charges under Thai law

The five individuals, identified as Thai nationals aged between 29 and 54, were charged with violating the Forest Act and Land Code. Officials from the Phuket Land Office and Department of National Parks participated in the evidence-gathering process. Investigators are reviewing seized documents to determine the extent of the alleged encroachment and possible links to prior cases in the Patong-Karon area. Authorities have signaled that additional suspects may be questioned as the investigation continues.

Phuket Provincial Police are expected to release further updates as forensic analysis of the confiscated materials progresses.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/five-arrested-in-freedom-beach-hills-raid-99681.php