The issue was raised publicly by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who confirmed that affected buyers submitted complaints on Friday (Mar 20) alongside officials, including Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer) Governor Rungruang Thimabutr.
According to the complaints, land in the Freedom Beach area was advertised and sold to members of the public despite suspicions that it forms part of protected forest land. Victims say they have suffered financial losses and hardship after discovering the questionable legal status of the plots.
A group of complainants formally petitioned the Phuket Provincial Office, calling for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the land’s legal status, the issuance of title documents and any individuals involved in the transactions.
Some victims have already filed police reports, but claim there has been little progress in their cases, prompting growing concern and calls for greater transparency.
In a parallel move, the group also submitted a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Phuket, requesting an investigation into whether any state officials failed in their duties or were involved in facilitating the sale of forest land. The submission, dated Mar 20, included supporting documentation.
The Phuket Provincial Office confirmed that additional complaints were received on both last Thursday and Friday (Mar 19-20), with more victims coming forward regarding land sales in the same area. Officials acknowledged that the land in question is suspected to be located within a national forest reserve, where private ownership and sale are heavily restricted or prohibited.
Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly, including verifying land boundaries, examining title documents and pursuing legal action against any parties found to have acted unlawfully.
The case adds to ongoing tensions surrounding land use at Freedom Beach, where officials have already launched a multi-agency investigation into alleged encroachment, illegal construction and unauthorised commercial activity within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.
Officials have reiterated that land within designated forest reserves cannot legally be bought or sold in the same manner as private property, and have urged the public to exercise caution when entering into land transactions in such areas.
The dispute has raised broader concerns about the protection of Phuket’s natural resources, as well as the need to safeguard the public from fraudulent or misleading land sales.
Meanwhile, during the same discussions, MP Chalermpong also highlighted other pressing local issues, including ongoing drug activity in Rawai, concerns over complex hotel licensing procedures and the growing number of cannabis outlets across key tourist areas such as Patong, Kata and Karon.
He noted that while cannabis legalisation was intended to support medical and economic development, its widespread recreational use in public spaces is beginning to affect Phuket’s image among some visitors, particularly families seeking a safe and orderly environment.
Tourism operators have also expressed concern that unchecked cannabis use could disrupt visitors and impact public order, adding to calls for clearer regulation and enforcement.
Provincial officials said all complaints would be handled in accordance with legal procedures, with relevant agencies tasked with ensuring a fair, transparent and thorough investigation.