Mr Veera has built a reputation as an official who is prepared to take on encroachers and other corrupt people, but the letter, dated July 1, alleges that his actions have all had one aim – to extort money for himself.
Copies were sent to the Minister of Interior, the Governor of Phuket, the Damrongtham Centre, and various media outlets.
Thousand were also distributed around the Kathu area.
“Dear Kathu people,” the letter begins, “Kathu district is a tourism centre and was a peaceful place until Mr Veera started causing trouble all around. We can no longer stand this.” It then gives a list of his alleged extortions:
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That he set up a check point to catch drug users. Fourteen addicts were caught but only five were sent for rehabilitation. The letter alleges the rest were released after paying B8,000 apiece.
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An excavator and three 10-wheel trucks were found working on a site in the Phanturat Hills. Kathu officials did not investigate the owners; they just asked for B200,000 per vehicle not to pursue the matter.
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Another excavator was found, along with illegally cut timber, in Soi Ban Si Kor. Media were invited to go there, but so far there has been no further action.
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Mr Veera illegally took possession of an area of land at the back of Bangwad Reservoir, behind the Phuket Country Club, and built a road to it.
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Many pubs and restaurants in Patong have been approached to pay him money.
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Illegal immigrant workers have had to pay Mr Veera B500 each, or the construction company employing them has had to pay B10,000 per worker camp.
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The bosses of local people tapping rubber on dubious land have been told to pay or be prosecuted.
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Every Thai massage shop in Kathu District has been checked and is paying money to Mr Veera.
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The owner of a piece of land went to cut trees on the land. Despite having all the right permits he was thrown in jail for a night.
The letter concluded by alleging that Mr Veera “wants to recover the B5 million he had to pay to a Pheu Thai politician to get his post as Kathu District Chief.
“If he does not leave Phuket before July 31, the people of Kathu will close the Kathu District Office and roads, and will take other protest measures.”
Mr Veera told The Phuket News, “I already knew about this. It is absurd. I would be mad if I really did all this.
“The Governor of Phuket know what kind of person I am. I am not a politician who has to explain everything. I simply believe in doing the right thing.”
He said that his deputy, Siripong Leepasit, had registered a complaint about the letter with Thung Thong Police Station on July 8.