The joint operation, led by Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, targeted the access point to Freedom Beach in Karon, which lies within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.
The operation brought together officers from the Forest Resource Management Office 12 (Krabi Branch), the Phuket Forestry Center, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, Border Patrol Police Unit 425, and Karon Police.
The inspection followed a directive issued on Mar 11 after authorities received complaints of widespread encroachment, including the construction of residences, shops and resort-style developments within the protected forest area, said an official report of the raid.
Officials also cited concerns that local agencies lacked sufficient manpower to tackle the issue alone, prompting the large-scale multi-agency response.
Officers first assembled at the Forest Protection Unit Phuket 2 before moving in to inspect areas surrounding the beach, where reports had emerged of tourists being charged B300 per person to access the beach despite its status as protected public land.
Several individuals alleged to have been collecting the fees were detained during the operation, said the report. The number of people detained and their names were not reported.
Authorities extended their inspection along ‘Freedom Road’, connecting Karon and Patong, where they discovered three illegally built hut-like structures.
One occupant was found at the scene and was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The remaining two structures were unoccupied but contained construction equipment, including a chainsaw.
All suspects apprehended during the operation were handed over to investigators at Karon Police Station for legal proceedings.
Officials reported that the initial sweep also uncovered further encroachment deeper within the area, including the construction of a resort and the installation of signs claiming private ownership of land within the forest reserve.
Forestry officials have launched a detailed investigation into the origins and extent of the developments, with a follow-up inspection to support further legal action.
Mr Rungruang stressed that the area is designated national forest reserve land and cannot be legally occupied, developed or used for profit by private individuals.
He also confirmed reports that tourists had been charged B300 to enter the beach, describing the practice as illegal and urging the public to be aware of land status across the island.
Officials will maintain a presence in the area to provide information and ensure compliance, while warning that enforcement efforts will continue against anyone found to be unlawfully occupying or exploiting protected land.