Thai anti-corruption panel intensifies Phuket probe over beach access fees and land disputes
A House anti-corruption committee has expanded its Phuket investigation into beach access fees, disputed land titles, forest encroachment and safety concerns at Nui Beach and Freedom Beach.
Thailand’s House of Representatives’ Committee on Anti-Corruption and Misconduct has stepped up its investigation into public land disputes in Phuket after complaints from residents and tourists about restricted beach access, unauthorized toll collections and forest encroachment.
The delegation, led by committee chairman Arsapol Sorntraiphop, visited Nui Beach and Freedom Beach on a second day of inspections after meeting provincial agencies at Phuket City Hall the previous day. Deputy Chairman Preeti Charoensilp, committee spokesperson Thanathan Pramoonpong and local People’s Party MP Chalermpong Saengdee also took part.
At Nui Beach, the committee examined complaints about blocked access routes and fees charged to visitors entering the beach. Officials also reviewed land use under the Agricultural Land Reform Office, or ALRO, which remains under legal scrutiny.
At Freedom Beach, the committee reviewed 24 forest encroachment cases as well as repeated complaints from locals and tourists about unauthorized tolls and safety hazards. The site has also drawn concern over several monsoon-season drowning incidents, with the committee urging agencies to improve warning signs and strengthen safety measures in risk-prone areas.
According to the Department of Lands, the Freedom Beach area covers nine land plots. Courts have already revoked two land titles found to have been unlawfully issued, while the other seven plots remain under review. The committee also received petitions from residents concerning land rights and land use.
Arsapol said all agencies must submit complete documentation within 15 days for analysis. He said any unlawful land title issuance, negligence of duty or other legal violations would face legal action.
He said the land under review belongs to the nation and must be protected under the same standard, adding that the aim is to ensure fairness for all parties and protect the public interest over the long term.
