Prime minister scraps Freedom Beach stop for urgent Ranong trip

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled a scheduled Freedom Beach inspection in Phuket on May 10 after urgent duties required him to travel to Ranong Province, officials said. The canceled Freedom Beach stop had been part of a wider Phuket program focused on coastal oversight and development monitoring.

Bang Tao inspection tied to coastal encroachment crackdown

Earlier the same day, Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, visited Bang Tao Beach in Thalang District to oversee enforcement against illegal encroachment on public land. The field mission formed part of the government’s campaign to protect public beaches and enforce environmental law along Phuket’s coastline.

During the visit, he said public areas must not be controlled by “mafia or influential figures,” reaffirming the administration’s push to restore order at beach sites.

Officials said the Phuket schedule was also intended to review local development and tourism locations. The itinerary placed coastal land use and public access under direct scrutiny.

Ranong briefing centers on 50 million baht seizure

Anutin was due to give a press briefing in Ranong on the recent seizure of suspected tax-evasion goods worth more than 50 million baht. Officials said the operation was carried out by the Fourth Army Region.

The abrupt change in plans underscored the government’s emphasis on law enforcement and anti-smuggling action in southern Thailand.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/10/prime-minister-cancels-freedom-beach-visit/