Four family members arrested over alleged B20 million Phuket land scam
Police say a four-member family group sold plots inside protected forest near Freedom Beach, while authorities prepare to reclaim more than 60 rai of coastal land.
Thai police have arrested four members of a family accused of selling protected forest land near Freedom Beach in Phuket in transactions worth more than B20 million.
The Central Investigation Bureau and environmental crime officers arrested Parinthorn, known locally as Sia Lek Freedom Beach, along with his wife, adult daughter and son-in-law, according to police. They were wanted on warrants alleging public fraud and illegal encroachment on state land.
Investigators said the family claimed to hold valid title deeds for plots in the Khao Nak Kerd National Reserved Forest near Patong. Several buyers allegedly transferred large sums for land they could not legally own, occupy or develop because the plots were within state forest boundaries.
Police also accused Parinthorn of intimidating people who attempted to report the alleged scheme. Investigators said he posted threatening photographs showing firearms online and fired live rounds into the air, creating fear among residents and delaying complaints from affected buyers.
The main suspect denied the allegations during initial questioning at Kathu Police Station and declined to speak to reporters, the report said. The family members were later transferred to police headquarters in Bangkok for proceedings under fraud and computer crime laws.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin travelled to Phuket to oversee efforts to reclaim the land. Officials are preparing to demolish unauthorised structures, including a 78-step concrete stairway reportedly used to collect illegal entrance fees.
Forestry officials said the inter-agency investigation involved nearly six months of boundary surveys and land-title checks. Authorities plan to reclaim more than 60 rai of coastal forest for public use.
