Mr Chalermpong, MP for Phuket Constituency 2, from the People’s Party, said he had returned to his constituency and was told by a “respected police officer” to exercise caution, a warning he described as unusual and revealing of deeper power structures.
Speaking to The Phuket News, he claimed the remark reflected “power, politics and vested interests” involving influential figures allegedly operating in the province.
He further alleged that business owners and entrepreneurs were being extorted, describing what he said were “enormous sums of money” linked to high-ranking officials.
Mr Chalermpong said the situation in Phuket was not a new phenomenon but a long-standing structural issue involving influential networks embedded in local administration and law enforcement.
He claimed business operators had repeatedly raised complaints about ongoing demands for payments, adding that such practices were “eroding confidence” among investors and damaging honest businesses.
“The problem of bribery in Phuket is not just about under-the-table money,” he said. “It is destroying the province’s economy, undermining legitimate businesses, and affecting tourist confidence.”
He alleged that such practices followed a “cycle” and continued on a monthly basis.
MP Chalermpong also explained that he received a warning phone call from a police officer after returning to Phuket.
He described the message as brief but significant, saying it indicated the presence of powerful interests operating behind the scenes.
According to Mr Chalermpong, the officer implied that these networks involved political and administrative figures benefiting from illicit payments extracted from local businesses.
SHOW PONIES
Mr Chalermpong also questioned recent visits by senior government figures to Phuket tourist areas, including Freedom Beach and Bang Tao Beach, suggesting they did not address underlying issues.
He said such visits risked becoming “window dressing”, arguing that they focused on public relations rather than structural reform.
He urged the government to compile detailed information on influential figures instead of relying on briefings or staged inspections.
“The Ministry of Interior already has population and administrative data,” he said. “They already know who is involved. The issue is not a lack of information, but a lack of action.”
He called for investigations into alleged networks of influence, saying enforcement should be carried out “regardless of who is involved”.
TRANSFERS
Mr Chalermpong also raised concerns over recent transfers of government officials in Phuket, claiming that officials previously under investigation had been reassigned or returned to positions in the province.
Two district chiefs who had been linked to earlier investigations were reinstated in their areas, including Mueang Phuket and Thalang, he noted.
He further suggested that upcoming appointments within the provincial administration could be linked to broader political arrangements, describing this as part of what he referred to as a “blue system” of influence.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a party-list MP and leader of the People’s Party, also called for clarification from the government regarding recent civil service appointments and transfers.
He said public trust could be undermined if the reasoning behind such decisions was not clearly explained, and suggested that questions had arisen about whether political interference could be involved.
He urged the Prime Minister to provide transparency regarding the criteria used for transfers and appointments in Phuket and other provinces.
INVESTOR CONFIDENCE
Separately, Pukkamon Nunarnan, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, criticised the government’s handling of the situation, saying public explanations of civil service transfers were unclear and insufficient.
She argued that uncertainty surrounding appointments in Phuket was damaging investor confidence, claiming that businesses were increasingly concerned about hidden costs and unofficial payments.
She said investors were uncertain “who to approach” and feared operating in an environment where influence networks could affect business security and stability.
Ms Pukkamon also claimed that business operators had informed her that operating costs in Phuket could include unofficial payments, although these claims were not independently verified.
She urged the government to provide clearer explanations of recent administrative changes and to ensure transparency in decision-making.