Phuket MP questions PM after Freedom Beach inspection is canceled
The criticism came only hours after Mr Anutin declared during a high-profile visit to Bang Tao Beach that there would be “no mafia” and “no influential figures” operating in Phuket.
Phuket opposition MP Chalermpong Saengdee on May 11 challenged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s anti-mafia pledge after a scheduled Freedom Beach inspection in Phuket was canceled just before it was due to begin. The criticism came hours after Anutin said during a visit to Bang Tao Beach that there would be “no mafia” and “no influential figures” operating on the island.
Chalermpong said he had prepared documents and other evidence tied to alleged corruption, beach-access disputes, intimidation and land conflicts at Freedom Beach and other contested coastal areas. He said the abrupt change damaged public confidence and raised questions about whether the government was willing to confront influential interests linked to valuable beachfront land.
Freedom Beach dispute centers on access, land and threats
The Freedom Beach stop had been announced in advance as part of the prime minister’s itinerary. The site has become one of Phuket’s most contentious land disputes, with allegations of forest encroachment, disputed public access routes, fees collected from visitors and intimidation against residents and complainants.
Chalermpong said residents and activists had hoped a personal visit from the prime minister would push authorities to address longstanding complaints over questionable land use and the role of influential figures. He also referred to death threats linked to the dispute, saying complainants should receive protection.
The MP said concern has grown that some public beach areas are effectively controlled by private interests while access to state land is obstructed. He argued the case had become a national issue because it touches on corruption, intimidation and equal enforcement of the law.
Officials cite Ranong operation involving goods worth B50 million
Officials later said Anutin had gone urgently to Ranong for a security-related operation involving suspected tax-evading goods worth more than B50 million. That explanation did little to quiet criticism online, where speculation spread quickly over the cancellation.
During his earlier Bang Tao inspection, Anutin said he had received complaints that people were being threatened. He said authorities would not tolerate influential figures.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-mp-challenges-pm-anti-mafia-pledge-100186.php
