Phuket MP says he was threatened after Freedom Beach forest land probe
Phuket MP says he was threatened after Freedom Beach forest land probe — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
People’s Party MP Chalimpong Saengdee said on May 6 he was threatened with a shooting after inspecting alleged encroachment on reserved forest land at Freedom Beach in Phuket. He made the claim at a press briefing with Natthawut Buapratum and acting Sub Lt Somchat Techathaworncharoen, saying the threat followed his scrutiny of land occupation in the Khao Nak Koet National Reserved Forest area.
A social media account bearing the same name as a landholder in the area allegedly posted a threat stating that shooting an MP would require only Bt200,000 for bail. Chalimpong said the post reflected growing impunity around the disputed beach area.
Allegations include land sales, bribes and armed intimidation
Chalimpong said the investigation uncovered alleged illegal business operations and benefit collection from beachside vendors. He also alleged that reserved forest land was falsely sold to foreigners for as much as Bt18 million for luxury resort development.
He said forestry officers had been threatened with guns while working in the area, leaving them unable to operate safely. According to Chalimpong, one local forestry chief later sought a transfer out of the area, citing health concerns after feeling unsafe.
The MP also linked the case to an earlier crackdown on alcohol vendors at the beach during the previous House term. He alleged state officials were involved in collecting illicit payments of Bt200,000 a day.
Chalimpong called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, and Royal Forest Department chief Nikhon Sirojronanon to intervene, adding that complaints would be filed with the House anti-corruption and land committees.
Source: https://www.komchadluek.net/news/politics/616804
