PM pledges end to Freedom Beach encroachment in Phuket
Anutin arrived in Phuket after earlier travelling to Koh Samui and Pha-ngan in Surat Thani to inspect operations targeting foreign businesses allegedly operating through Thai nominees.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Freedom Beach in Karon on May 14 and vowed to stop further encroachment in Phuket after authorities completed an investigation into land within the Nakkered Hills National Forest Reserve. The inspection followed his visit to Bang Tao Beach on May 10 and came amid a wider crackdown on alleged illegal use of protected watershed land.
Freedom Beach cases span 23 complaints and 58 rai
Anutin arrived at the beach entrance at about 5pm, where Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, senior police, forestry officials, local leaders and residents received the delegation. Officials briefed him on action taken after complaints near Freedom Beach and in overlapping areas extending into Patong.
Authorities said 23 cases had been filed under the Forestry Act, National Forest Reserve Act and Firearms Act, covering more than 58 rai. Police and other officials said 17 people had been arrested in 10 prosecuted cases, while 13 additional complaints remain under investigation.
Phuket officials said organised groups had allegedly run restaurants and tourism businesses on protected land near the beach. Anutin said suspects had been arrested and told residents the encroachment problem would not be allowed to happen again.
He also apologised for postponing an earlier inspection on Sunday because of urgent duties in Ranong. During the visit, he met residents and community leaders to discuss long-term management of Freedom Beach.
Security deployment expands as nominee probes widen
Anutin said all agencies had been ordered to work together on prosecutions while protecting public access rights and maintaining safety. He said the government would no longer tolerate public land and natural resources being used for the benefit of capital groups or influential figures.
Phuket authorities said security personnel and Volunteer Defence Corps members have been deployed around the clock to prevent further encroachment. Despite the enforcement action, visitors were still seen swimming, sunbathing and walking along Freedom Beach yesterday.
Earlier the same day, Anutin travelled to Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan to inspect sites linked to police investigations into foreigners allegedly using Thai nominees to hold luxury villas. He said foreigners may legally own no more than 49% of shares in restricted businesses, but investigators had found companies presented as Thai-owned that were effectively controlled 100% by foreigners.
He also cited cases in which one person was linked to more than 200 companies and said police would examine funding sources for possible money-laundering offences. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin is scheduled to inspect Nui Beach in Karon on May 14 over issues involving public beach areas.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/pm-vows-end-to-freedom-beach-encroachment-100225.php
