The site in question is a two-kilometre stretch of sand at from Layan Beach to Laypang Beach, in Cherng Talay, which is deemed to be in Sirinart National Park.
DSI deputy director-general Pong-In Intarakhao and Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongseenin, director of the DSI’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and Environment Crime, led an inspection of the site yesterday (June 26).
Joining the leading crime-busters were Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Songkhaosuttirak and Jirasak Chukwamdee, who is the director of the Protected Areas regional office under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The investigation was launched after a complaint filed by the DNP alleged that the land was within the national park boundary, said Col Pong-In.
“We suspect that the entire area – which the owner has applied to be upgraded to Chanote status – is trying to be claimed by use of ‘flying SorKor 1’,” he said.
A ‘flying SorKor 1’ attempts to use a SorKor 1 land-use document to claim ownership of an entirely different plot elsewhere.
Col Pong-In said that aerial photographs and other documents related to the area showed that the land under investigation was once sea.
“Aerial pictures and other documents prove that in the past this area was covered by sea, and later dirt and debris were deposited to form the land,” he said.
“The area has since been fenced off and marked ‘Private property. Do not enter’ for land that is clearly public property.”
Investigators will file their reports directly to Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong with a request to investigate the alleged encroachment, he added.
“The person attempting to claim ownership of this land and any government officials involved in this claim will be investigated” Col Pong vowed.