The move comes as officials continue to examine competing claims over land rights in the Freedom Beach area, located within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.
According to an official order issued by the Phuket Provincial Volunteer Defence Corps Command (No. 24/2569), five members of the OrSor Special Operations Unit 1 were deployed earlier this week to maintain peace and order in the area.
The patrol operation, led by Lt Col Komsan Thongkaew, ran from 5pm to midnight, with officers conducting close monitoring of the beach and surrounding forest to deter illegal activities and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
Following the operation, officials reported that the situation remained calm, with no unusual incidents recorded.
Lt Col Komsan said the mission proceeded as planned and achieved its objectives, stressing that continued monitoring would be essential as authorities intensify scrutiny of the area.
The increased security presence forms part of a broader, multi-agency effort involving administrative officials, forestry officers and police, who are jointly investigating the legal status of land at Freedom Beach.
The probe is focusing on land boundaries, usage rights and potential encroachment or unlawful exploitation within the national forest reserve. Officials have said the investigation aims to ensure transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the law.
Authorities have also stepped up surveillance measures to prevent further encroachment into the protected forest, which is designated as a public natural resource.
The heightened enforcement is intended to restore public confidence and ensure that access to the beach remains lawful and properly regulated.
BUSY WEEK
The latest patrols follow a major enforcement operation earlier this week targeting alleged illegal fee collection and encroachment at Freedom Beach.
As reported, operators accused of charging tourists to access the beach have disputed the allegations, presenting documents they claim grant them rights to occupy and use the land.
At a meeting held on Mar 19 at the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, local residents submitted complaints and evidence, including SorKor 1 land utilisation certificates, which they argue entitle them to charge access fees.
Officials, however, have cautioned that such documents do not necessarily confer ownership rights, particularly within protected forest areas.
Forestry authorities have reiterated that the Freedom Beach area falls within a national forest reserve, where land cannot legally be bought, sold or commercially exploited in the same manner as private property.
Legal action has already been initiated against individuals identified during earlier inspections, while further verification of land documents and boundaries is ongoing.
Authorities have pledged to continue inspections, remove illegal structures and pursue enforcement action where necessary, with the outcome of the land verification process expected to determine the next steps in the dispute.