Phuket—
More than 100 officers from multiple agencies joined forces to clear encroachment and illegal activities at Freedom Beach, a scenic coastal area within the Nak Kerd Mountain National Reserved Forest in Karon.
The operation was led by Phuket Deputy Governor Rungreung Thimabutr, alongside officials from the Forest Resource Management Office 12 (Krabi branch), the Phuket Forest Center, the Khao To Sae Recreational Forest Unit, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, Border Patrol Police 425, Karon Police Station, and other related agencies.
The joint action followed an order issued on March 11th, 2026, after authorities received complaints of widespread encroachment. Reports indicated the construction of residences, shops, and even resort-style facilities, allegedly controlled by influential figures. Local officials assessed that their manpower was insufficient to handle the situation, prompting a large-scale coordinated operation scheduled for March 17–18.
Findings on Site
- Officers discovered individuals collecting entry fees of 300 baht per person from tourists wishing to access the beach — a practice deemed illegal since the area is public land within a national forest reserve.
- Several makeshift huts were found along the Freedom Road (Karon–Patong). One hut contained a resident along with a firearm and ammunition, while others held chainsaws and construction tools.
- Suspects involved in fee collection and illegal possession of weapons were detained and handed over to Karon Police for prosecution.
- Authorities also identified larger-scale encroachment resembling resort development, complete with signage claiming ownership of surrounding land.
Forest officials announced plans to conduct further inspections on March 18 to verify land claims and pursue legal action. In addition, public awareness campaigns will be launched to remind residents and visitors that national forest reserves are public property, not subject to private ownership or commercial exploitation.
Deputy Governor Rungreung stated that the collection of fees from tourists is unlawful and urged the public to respect public lands:
“No individual has the right to claim or profit from areas designated as public benefit or national parks. We ask that such practices cease immediately.”
