Phuket MP warns of death threat amid Freedom Beach land probe
Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket Constituency 2, issued the warning following complaints from residents that a group of influential individuals has seized control of land at Freedom Beach, intimidating locals and…
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee said on May 6 he faces a death threat after raising a Freedom Beach land probe tied to complaints that influential figures seized control of land, intimidated locals and harmed livelihoods. The warning follows his push for action over alleged encroachment in the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve in Phuket.
He said the threat emerged after he took residents’ complaints to Parliament and urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to intervene. Chalermpong also called on the government, including the prime minister, to act decisively.
Mar 24 raid uncovered forest encroachment and arrests
More than 100 officials led by Deputy Governor Rungruang Thimabutr raided the hills behind Freedom Beach on Mar 24. The operation found widespread forest encroachment, including land clearing, road construction and buildings believed to be linked to luxury developments.
Authorities arrested five people for alleged violations of the Forest Act. Officials also uncovered illegal utility connections and land subdivision for sale.
Four elephants were found chained in the forest during the inspection. Investigators are continuing to verify land titles and pursue legal action to reclaim protected forest land.
MP cites online threat and reports of intimidation
Chalermpong said the situation escalated after reports that forestry officials heard gunshots in the area, which he described as intimidation. He also said one forestry officer requested a transfer shortly after the arrests, officially for health reasons.
Most recently, he alleged that a local figure identified only as “L” posted a message saying, “If you shoot an MP, bail is only 200,000 baht.” Chalermpong further alleged the same person had previously been involved in the illegal sale of land within the forest reserve to foreign buyers for more than B10 million.
“I will stand firm in my fight for justice and to protect national assets. I am not afraid of any influential figures,” he said.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-mp-faces-death-threat-over-freedom-beach-probe-100126.php
