The confirmation came during an inspection of Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay yesterday (July 10), as authorities continued their investigation into alleged encroachment and land use along the beachfront.
According to officials, the five titled plots cover about nine rai. The plots had previously been among those examined as part of the wider investigation into disputed land at Bang Tao Beach.
The five title deeds previously identified during the investigation are Nos. 22642, 22643, 34220, 34223 and 34224.
Mr Polapee was joined by Chaiwat Junthirapong, Secretary to the Minister of Interior; Department of Lands Director-General Pornpoj Penpas; Department of Provincial Administration Deputy Director-General Ronnarong Thipsiri; Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum; Phuket vice governors and other officials.
Officials reported that about six rai of untitled land had been encroached upon by 31 shops and other structures. Legal proceedings are underway under the Forest Act of 1941.
Authorities also reported finding 17 structures allegedly encroaching on public land along the beach. Relevant agencies have been ordered to investigate the circumstances and take legal action where warranted.
Despite confirming that the five plots have valid title deeds, Mr Polapee ordered the Department of Lands and other agencies to urgently investigate any areas where land titles may have been issued unlawfully, including surrounding land.
He said strict legal action must be taken if any title deeds are found to have been improperly issued, in order to protect state land and the public interest.
The latest inspection follows months of investigation into land occupation and business operations along Bang Tao Beach.
In June, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 named 16 beachfront businesses under investigation among 34 structures identified in a disputed area of public or forest land in Moo 2, Cherng Talay. The remaining 18 structures were identified as residential properties.
The investigation centred on more than six rai of disputed land and also included examination of the five land title deeds now confirmed by the Deputy Interior Minister as valid and owned by a private company.
At the time, Rear Admiral Praphan Srisuvipa, Deputy Director of ISOC Phuket and chairman of the provincial fact-finding committee, stressed that the committee was tasked with establishing the facts rather than determining guilt or innocence.
Investigators were examining land boundaries, ownership claims and development within the disputed area, including possible overlaps with neighbouring titled land, waterways, drainage channels and areas affected by tidal inundation.
The investigation followed a visit to Bang Tao Beach by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on May 10, when he pledged action against alleged influential figures, corruption and the illegal occupation of public coastal land.