Anutin arrived in Phuket after earlier travelling to Koh Samui and Pha-ngan in Surat Thani to inspect operations targeting foreign businesses allegedly operating through Thai nominees.
The visit to Freedom Beach in Karon followed his inspection of Bang Tao Beach on Sunday (May 10) and came amid an ongoing investigation into alleged encroachment on land within the Nakkered Hills National Forest Reserve, a protected watershed area in Phuket.
CRACKDOWN INTENSIFIES
At about 5pm, Anutin and his delegation arrived at the entrance to Freedom Beach in Karon, where they were welcomed by Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, senior police officers, forestry officials, local leaders and residents.
Officials briefed the Prime Minister on operations carried out following complaints of encroachment near Freedom Beach and in overlapping areas extending into Patong.
Authorities reported that a total of 23 cases have been filed involving alleged violations of the Forestry Act, National Forest Reserve Act and Firearms Act, covering more than 58 rai of land. Officials said 17 people had been arrested in 10 prosecuted cases, while 13 additional complaints remain under investigation.
According to Phuket officials, the alleged encroachment involved organised groups operating restaurants and tourism-related businesses on protected land near the beach.
Anutin said the investigation into the Freedom Beach cases had now been completed and confirmed that suspects had been arrested.
“I stand with you. Please have confidence. The encroachment problem will not happen again,” he told residents during the visit.
“I will instruct the security forces. We will protect your safety and ensure that nothing happens.”
He also apologised for postponing an earlier planned inspection on Sunday due to urgent duties in Ranong, saying the delay had caused concern among local residents.
“I humbly request your understanding and apologise for my lateness,” he said. “I will make up for it with interest in resolving this issue.”
PUBLIC ACCESS, SECURITY
During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected the site and met local residents and community leaders to discuss long-term management of Freedom Beach.
He said all agencies had been instructed to integrate their efforts in prosecuting offenders while ensuring public access rights and maintaining safety for tourists visiting the area.
“The government will no longer tolerate encroachment on public land and natural resources for the benefit of capital groups or influential individuals,” he said.
Phuket authorities said security personnel and members of the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) have now been deployed to monitor the area around the clock to prevent further encroachment.
Despite the legal action and ongoing investigations, tourists were still seen visiting Freedom Beach yesterday, with visitors swimming, sunbathing and walking along the beach.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin is scheduled to continue inspections in Phuket today (May 14), with a visit planned to Nui Beach in Karon to follow up on issues involving public beach areas.
SAMUI, PHA-NGAN NOMINESS
Earlier in the day, Anutin led a delegation to Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan to inspect locations targeted by Royal Thai Police in investigations into foreigners allegedly illegally owning luxury villas through Thai nominee structures.
Joining the inspection were senior cabinet ministers and Interior Ministry officials, including Deputy Minister of Interior Jetset Thaiseth and Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liengprasit.
Speaking during the visit, Anutin said the government was pursuing a policy of reducing bureaucratic duplication and streamlining approvals for businesses through a one-stop service approach.
However, he said authorities were now focusing heavily on alleged nominee arrangements used to conceal foreign ownership of businesses and land.
“The most important issue now is the nominee matter,” he said.
Anutin explained that under Thai law foreigners may hold no more than 49% of shares in restricted businesses, but investigators had found cases where companies were allegedly structured to appear Thai-owned while effectively being controlled entirely by foreigners.
“In reality, the ownership, management and direction of these companies are 100% owned by foreigners,” he said.
He alleged that some individuals were linked to hundreds of companies created to circumvent the intent of Thai ownership laws.
“In cases where one person owns more than 200 companies, it is essentially selling companies,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said police would investigate the source of funds involved in the acquisitions to determine whether money laundering offences had occurred.
THREATS AND INTIMIDATION
Anutin also referred to his earlier visit to Bang Tao Beach on May 10 and ongoing concerns surrounding Freedom Beach.
He said authorities were not only dealing with encroachment issues, but also allegations that local people had been harassed and forced to pay protection money by influential groups operating in the area.
He added that he had received reports of threats and intimidation, including threats to shoot a Member of Parliament, specifically Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee.
“We need to bring order to the situation,” he said, adding that government agencies had “had enough” of such behaviour and would continue enforcement operations.