Suspect Surrenders in Freedom Beach Forest Encroachment Cases

Phuket –

On May 12, 2026, police at Karon Police Station in Phuket formally received the surrender of Mr. Parin (surname withheld), 51, who turned himself in to face charges in four separate cases of forest reserve encroachment at Freedom Beach, Karon. The combined damage from the alleged encroachments covers more than 10 rai of protected land.

Our previous story:

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a field mission to monitor land encroachment cases along Phuket’s coastline, showing the government’s commitment to protecting public beaches and enforcing environmental law.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Bang Tao Beach in Thalang District today to oversee enforcement against illegal encroachment of public land. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order and protecting public spaces, declaring that “there must be no mafia or influential figures” controlling the area.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has abruptly canceled his scheduled inspection of Freedom Beach in Phuket, citing urgent duties that required his immediate travel to Ranong Province.

A high-level inspection team led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Nanchat Supamongkol, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has launched a decisive operation to reclaim Freedom Beach in Phuket from illegal occupation.

Now for the update:

The surrender followed months of on-site inspections and monitoring of illegal land use in the forest reserve. Senior officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Nanchat Supamongkol, Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has been closely tracking the progress of the cases. The four cases are detailed as follows:

1. Case No. 224/2026 – encroachment of 9 rai, 3 ngan, 40 square wah
2. Case No. 227/2026 – encroachment of 50 square wah
3. Case No. 228/2026 – encroachment of 1 ngan, 4 square wah
4. Case No. 229/2026 – encroachment of 82 square wah

Pol. Col. Patapee Srichai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, stated that investigators have formally charged the suspect, taken his testimony, and recorded his fingerprints in accordance with legal procedure. He stated that the process must be conducted with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to the law. Police are also working in coordination with Phuket forestry officials to compile evidence and ensure the cases proceed through the judicial system.

The arrests mark a significant step in addressing long-standing encroachment issues at Freedom Beach, a site valued for its natural beauty and ecological importance. Authorities have pledged to continue monitoring and enforcing forest protection laws to safeguard Phuket’s environment.

Related articles:

Freedom Beach in Karon is now cleared of beach beds and umbrellas and structures after a full crackdown.

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.

Authorities in Phuket on Thursday (March 26th) have launched a major operation to address forest encroachment and intimidation of local residents at Freedom Beach, a popular coastal area within the Nakkerd Mountain National Forest Reserve.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has abruptly canceled his scheduled inspection of Freedom Beach in Phuket, citing urgent duties that required his immediate travel to Ranong Province.