“56 days of reclaiming Freedom and Bang Tao beaches, returning billions to the state. Is this justice?” Mr Rungruang wrote on Facebook after his transfer order was issued.
The remarks came after the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) transferred five senior Phuket officials to temporary posts on May 20 following complaints by Patong entertainment operators alleging bribery, extortion and unfair treatment linked to entertainment venue licensing.
But as the investigation widened, the controversy rapidly expanded beyond Patong nightlife disputes into allegations involving influential figures, public land enforcement, zoning conflicts and accusations of double standards inside Phuket’s administrative structure.
Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Director-General Narucha Khosasilai rejected suggestions that the transfers were connected to recent Freedom Beach and Bang Tao Beach enforcement operations.
“Good conduct is one issue. Investigation is another,” Mr Narucha said, clarifying that the recent enforcement operations at Freedom Beach and Bang Tao Beach were unrelated to the Patong bribery and extortion allegations.
The transfer order affected Mr Rungruang, Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, Thalang District Chief Wilailak Rueangphol, Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap and Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Danai Sukskul.
“They were called to assist in further questioning within 30 days. Currently, no wrongdoing has been found,” Mr Narucha said.
Mr Narucha also addressed criticism over the inclusion of Thalang District Chief Wilailak Rueangphol in the order, amid claims she had only recently taken office and was not directly involved in Patong matters.
“A report was submitted for investigation,” Mr Narucha said. “Whether she is in the area or not, and whether it relates to Patong, needs to be investigated first.”
The widening dispute comes amid increasing pressure from the Interior Ministry to target influential groups, alleged corruption networks and public land encroachment linked to Phuket’s tourism sector.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who as with previous governments continues to serve as Interior Minister, publicly ordered action against influential figures following disputes surrounding Freedom Beach land issues.
SPEAKING OUT
The transfer order followed weeks of mounting complaints from Patong entertainment operators, led publicly by Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President Weerawit Kreuasombat.
Mr Weerawit accused officials of selective enforcement, prolonged licensing delays and unofficial pressure connected to entertainment venue approvals.
However, he said the current focus on transferred officials risked overshadowing deeper structural problems surrounding Phuket’s zoning and licensing systems.
“If all five individuals are innocent or have never engaged in the alleged misconduct, they should be able to return to their jobs,” Mr Weerawit said.
“However, if anyone has been found guilty of misconduct, and there is in-depth information and evidence, the matter will proceed according to due process.”
Mr Weerawit argued that laws governing entertainment venues nationwide were no longer suitable for Phuket’s tourism-driven economy.
“One thing that must be acknowledged is that the laws applied throughout Thailand to Phuket are not suitable for the island’s current situation,” he said.
“Some tourism areas no longer match the legal zoning framework, creating ongoing problems for entertainment venue permits.”
He also criticised what he described as superficial public responses by senior officials.
“The media appearances of some senior officials are just for show. In reality, they don’t help at all,” Mr Weerawit said.
PROVINCIAL DEFENCE
Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong defended the province’s handling of entertainment licence renewals and denied allegations that unofficial payments or conditions were attached to approvals.
“This was a transfer, a call to investigate the facts,” Mr Adul told The Phuket News. “It wasn’t an accusation, but a request to assist in further fact-finding.
“Most of the valid applications are being issued gradually. We’ve already issued a considerable number,” he said.
Mr Adul added that Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsittithaworn had repeatedly instructed officials that no benefits or payments were connected to licence approvals.
“The Governor has long emphasised that there are no criteria, conditions, or benefits related to licences whatsoever,” Mr Adul said.
While acknowledging complaints involving businesses operating outside permitted zones, Mr Adul said further details were still needed regarding disputed locations and application procedures.
“Regarding zones, I don’t have the information yet. We need to see how the application was submitted, and where the province inspected,” he said.
‘SET UP’
Among the transferred officials, Mr Rungruang issued the strongest public defence against the allegations, claiming the complaints were politically motivated and linked to his role in beach and public land enforcement operations.
“I see it as a setup by influential people who want to transfer me out of the area,” he said.
“On the day I went to arrest those encroaching on public land at Bang Tao Beach, a former deputy minister called me, demanding that I release the suspects, threatening that he knew high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Interior,” he continued.
“When I refused, he called the vice governor. I must have interfered with their interests,” he added.
Mr Rungruang also denied allegations circulating online claiming he demanded B100 million connected to Bang Tao Beach or Freedom Beach raids.
“Yes, there have been contacts. They wanted to invite me to dinner and get to know me, from both Bang Tao Beach and Freedom Beach areas, but I declined,” he said.
“Regarding the posts claiming I demanded B100mn, I can confirm that’s impossible. I perform my duties honestly and straightforwardly. Money cannot buy justice.”
He also denied all allegations linked to Patong entertainment licensing extortion claims.
“I have never met, never had the phone number of, and never contacted the people related to such matters,” Mr Rungruang said.
Mr Rungruang has previously faced legal scrutiny and public controversy unrelated to the current Patong investigation.
Of note, in 2022, Isra News Agency reported that he surrendered to police after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with alleged online gambling and money-laundering activities. He was later granted temporary bail and denied all allegations.
Isra News also reported that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized assets during a separate narcotics investigation in Narathiwat in which firearms linked to licences issued while Mr Rungruang was serving as district chief were reportedly discovered at a suspect’s residence.
Mr Rungruang denied wrongdoing in that case and said all investigations and licence revocations had been conducted according to law.
CRITICISM GROWS
Political criticism surrounding the transfers continued escalating online, including from Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who questioned why newly appointed officials had been included in the order.
“The whole town, Thalang, the deputy, the security officers, they’re all newly appointed. No one is involved in this,” Mr Chalermpong wrote in comments posted under an official DOPA announcement regarding anti-corruption measures.
Mr Chalermpong also accused authorities of applying double standards.
“High-ranking officials involved in corruption and entanglement with influential figures in Bang Tao Beach have not faced any repercussions and remain in the area,” he wrote.
“This double standard demands an investigation into the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration.”
The Kathu, Thalang and Mueang district chiefs declined to comment on the transfer order, while Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Danai Sukskul was unavailable for comment.
“I’m just a low-level employee. If there’s an order, I have to comply,” Kathu District Chief Akkarapol said.
“I can’t say or answer anything,” he added.
Despite the escalating political fallout and public accusations, authorities continue insisting the Phuket investigation remains a fact-finding process only and that none of the five transferred officials have yet been found guilty of wrongdoing.