Thai government orders fast crackdown on influential groups in Phuket

A deputy interior minister said the Thai government has ordered an accelerated crackdown on influential groups in Phuket, warning that some people in the province still do not fear the law.

Speaking at Government House at 8.20 a.m. on June 17, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasit said Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the three deputy interior ministers to speed up action against influential figures. He said the campaign covers all areas where such issues arise, but explained that Phuket is being treated seriously because some groups are still behaving as if they are not afraid of legal consequences.

Vorasit said the effort is not limited to Phuket and also applies in other areas facing similar concerns, including Koh Phangan in Surat Thani and Krabi. He said authorities are working on the issue everywhere and that the government will not allow any group or individual to misuse power to bully others.

Asked about Phuket specifically, Vorasit said it was not true that there had been no progress after the prime minister visited the province. He said the prime minister's actions were still moving through the process, but that some groups were continuing to show behavior that did not respect the law, making the situation a serious one.

He said the government expects improvement after problematic individuals were removed from the area and new officials were sent in to perform their duties. Vorasit said the situation in Phuket is currently fairly chaotic and that the team sent in by the prime minister is expected to deliver clear results.

On timing, he said there was no fixed deadline and that action must happen as quickly as possible. He added that concern over the issue has extended beyond the executive branch, with members of the legislature also giving it importance and several parliamentary committees expected to investigate.

Vorasit also addressed concerns that state officials may be involved with influential groups. He said that if anyone is found to be involved and it can be proven, they will have to face the consequences. He said officials linked to such groups could not remain in place, and that the prime minister's policy was clear that any state official involved would be held responsible.