Local government agencies announced the visit yesterday evening (May 9), confirming that PM Anutin will inspect alleged encroachment at Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, Thalang, from 11:15am to 12:15pm before travelling to Freedom Beach in Karon for a second inspection from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
The inspections follow mounting controversy surrounding alleged illegal occupation of land within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve overlooking Freedom Beach.
The issue escalated this week after Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket Constituency 2 from the People’s Party, publicly warned that he feared for his safety after receiving threats linked to his investigation into encroachment at Freedom Beach.
Speaking at Parliament last Wednesday (May 6), members of the People’s Party urged the government, including PM Anutin and Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, to take urgent action against influential figures allegedly involved in illegal land occupation and intimidation in Phuket.
Mr Chalermpong said the threats followed his investigation into alleged illegal occupation of protected forest land at Freedom Beach, also known as ‘Mai Ngao Beach’.
He alleged that influential groups had established businesses on the beach, including alcohol stalls, and accused some officials of extorting bribes of up to B200,000 per day from operators in the area.
He also claimed that forestry officials overseeing the area had faced repeated intimidation, including gunfire incidents, leading one senior forestry officer responsible for the Freedom Beach recreational forest area to request a transfer.
The MP further alleged that luxury resort developments had been constructed within protected forest land and claimed that plots within the reserve had been illegally sold to Thai and foreign investors.
Mr Chalermpong said he later became the target of social media attacks questioning why he focused specifically on Freedom Beach. He also cited an online message stating, “Shoot the MP, bail is only 200,000 baht,” which he described as a direct threat against him.
“Today, even MPs feel unsafe. How will the people in the area feel?” Mr Chalermpong said.
“Phuket is becoming full of influential figures, both Thai and foreign, who are exploiting natural resources, making local people feel like second-class citizens.”
The controversy follows a major operation on Mar 24, when more than 100 officials inspected the hills behind Freedom Beach within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.
Authorities reported finding widespread forest encroachment, including land clearing, road construction, buildings linked to luxury developments, illegal utility connections and land subdivision activities. Five people were arrested during the operation for alleged violations of the Forest Act.
Officials also found four elephants chained within the forest area during the inspection.
Following the operation, Mr Chalermpong raised the issue in Parliament and called on the government to take decisive action to reclaim protected forest land and investigate those allegedly involved.
The inspections by PM Anutin today are expected to focus on ongoing enforcement efforts and alleged encroachment at both Bang Tao Beach and Freedom Beach. Officials have also announced that the visit will be broadcast live through Phuket provincial public relations channels.