Mr Chalermpong made the appeal during a press conference at the Parliament building in Bangkok yesterday (Mar 25), after joining the raid at the site on Tuesday (Mar 24).
He said the inspection, carried out with Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer) Rungruang Thimabutr, found that groups of wealthy investors and influential figures were attempting to encroach on the protected area, including land near Freedom Beach, which he noted is ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Mr Chalermpong said he reported the findings to the Director-General of the Department of Forestry, who subsequently ordered officials to seize structures built on the land, believed to be luxury resort developments, and return the area to state ownership.
He added that encroachment in the Freedom Beach area has been ongoing, with repeated attempts to occupy and develop forest land.
Mr Chalermpong warned that forest encroachment across Phuket, particularly in watershed areas, has reached critical levels, contributing to severe water shortages during the dry season.
“Phuket is an island and a major tourist destination, but it is now facing environmental problems, water scarcity and the loss of its natural beauty,” he said.
“Forests are being cleared to build luxury homes and holiday residences for influential individuals and investors.”
He also questioned the performance of forestry authorities, raising concerns over whether the issue stems from negligence, insufficient personnel or pressure from powerful capital groups affecting enforcement.
During the inspection, authorities made arrests and initiated legal proceedings against individuals found occupying the land and structures, he said. Some suspects were found to be using land title documents that are now under investigation, amid suspicions they may have been improperly issued or certified by officials.
Mr Chalermpong said he would pursue a thorough investigation to prevent further encroachment and called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and all relevant agencies to take the issue seriously.
“I urge all authorities to protect Thailand’s natural resources, which are national assets,” he said.
RAID AFTER RAID
The latest findings follow a major multi-agency raid on Tuesday, when more than 100 officials inspected the hills behind Freedom Beach within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve after complaints from local residents.
The operation, led by Phuket Provincial Palad Mr Rungruang under orders from Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, uncovered widespread encroachment, including land clearing, road construction and the building of homes and shops within protected forest land.
Five people were arrested at the scene for violations of the Forest Act, including one suspect found in illegal possession of a firearm. All were handed over to Karon Police for legal action.
Officials also discovered four elephants chained in the forest, believed to have been used for logging, along with illegal utility cabling and evidence of land being divided and offered for sale despite its protected status.
Residents reported being intimidated and blocked from accessing their homes, prompting calls for urgent enforcement action to restore order and protect local rights.
Earlier, complaints had also been lodged over the alleged sale of plots within the Freedom Beach area, with multiple buyers claiming they were misled into purchasing land later found to lie within a national forest reserve.
Affected buyers submitted formal complaints to provincial authorities on Mar 19-20, calling for an investigation into land titles and those involved in the transactions. Some also petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission to examine whether any officials had facilitated the sales.
Authorities have since confirmed that the land in question is suspected to fall within protected forest boundaries, where private ownership is restricted, and have pledged a full investigation, including verification of land documents and legal action against those responsible.
The case has intensified scrutiny over land use at Freedom Beach, with officials now pursuing enforcement measures and investigations aimed at reclaiming encroached land and preventing further illegal development.