Phuket MP calls for wider probe after four arrested over alleged forest land sales

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has called for a wider investigation into alleged land encroachment, intimidation and corruption linked to Freedom Beach after four people were arrested over alleged fraudulent land sales in the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.

Printhorn, his wife, daughter and son-in-law were arrested on Saturday, 7 November, on charges related to the alleged sales. The four deny the allegations.

Mr Chalermpong welcomed the arrests and the government’s move to reclaim protected forest land, but said authorities must investigate the wider network behind the alleged encroachment and ensure the area does not come under the control of another group.

“The success of a crackdown on influential figures is not measured by the number of site visits made or the volume of press statements issued by the government,” he said. “Rather, it is measured by whether, once the authorities have departed, the public can continue to exercise their rights in these public spaces safely.”

He said he had followed the issue since March, when he joined local administrative authorities, forestry officials, police and other agencies.