Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket Constituency 2, issued the warning following complaints from residents that a group of influential individuals has seized control of land at Freedom Beach, intimidating locals and affecting their livelihoods.
The warning comes after a major inspection on Mar 24, when more than 100 officials led by Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut raided the hills behind Freedom Beach in the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve.
Authorities found widespread forest encroachment, including land clearing, road construction and buildings believed to be linked to luxury developments. Five people were arrested for violations of the Forest Act, and illegal utility connections and land subdivision for sale were also uncovered.
Four elephants were also found chained in the forest.
Following the operation, Mr Chalermpong raised the issue in Parliament and called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to take urgent action, warning that encroachment by investors and influential figures has been ongoing.
However, he now says the situation has escalated.
He cited reports of gunshots heard by forestry officials in the area, believed to be acts of intimidation, and noted that one forestry officer requested a transfer shortly after the arrests, officially for health reasons.
Most recently, a local figure identified only as ‘L’ allegedly posted a message stating, “If you shoot an MP, bail is only 200,000 baht.”
MP Chalermpong also alleged that the same individual had previously been involved in the illegal sale of land within the forest reserve to foreign buyers for more than B10 million.
“I will stand firm in my fight for justice and to protect national assets. I am not afraid of any influential figures,” he said.
He called on the government, including the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to act decisively.
“If this problem is not resolved, a Member of Parliament for Phuket Constituency 2 could be the next target,” he warned.
Officials are continuing investigations into land encroachment at Freedom Beach, including verifying land titles and pursuing legal action to reclaim protected forest land.