Phuket officials pursue Freedom Beach forest encroachment case
Phuket officials pursue Freedom Beach forest encroachment case — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
Assistant Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nuntachat Supamongkol went to Phuket on May 12 to follow the Freedom Beach forest encroachment case, where suspect Parintr, known as “Sia Lek,” reported to police to hear charges in four cases. The visit was ordered by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin as officials stepped up enforcement over alleged encroachment on protected land at the well-known beach.
Nuntachat joined Phuket Vice Governor Rungroeng Thimabut and Royal Forest Department officers during the inspection tied to the national reserved forest investigation. Officials said the operation followed government orders to strictly enforce the law against influential figures and capital groups accused of occupying state land, especially forest reserves and major tourism sites.
Encroachment allegations cover about 10 rai
Investigators said they found encroachment and construction inside a national reserved forest area covering about 10 rai. The accused claimed long-term occupation and cited Sor Kor 1 land documents, but officials said the case would proceed on the basis of evidence and facts.
Parintr surrendered at Karon Police Station to acknowledge allegations under the Forest Act of 1941 and the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964. Authorities said the charges were divided into four cases.
Ministry cites prison and fine ranges under forest laws
Nuntachat said the field visit was meant to strengthen law enforcement under government policy to reclaim forest land and protect natural resources. He said action would be taken directly against offenders without exempting influential people or investment groups.
Officials said encroachment into a national reserved forest carries prison terms of one to 10 years and fines from 20,000 baht to 200,000 baht. Offenders may also be ordered to compensate for damage based on the value of affected natural resources.
Source: https://www.prachachat.net/public-relations/news-2006653
