Prime Minister Returns to Phuket to Pursue Freedom Beach Encroachment Case

Phuket –

On May 13th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at Freedom Beach in Karon, Phuket, to follow up on a high-profile encroachment case involving public land and protected forest areas. He was joined by Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasert, provincial officials, law enforcement, and community leaders, as well as local residents and business operators who gathered to welcome the delegation.

Our previous stories:

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.

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.

Now for the update:

The visit, originally scheduled for Sunday but postponed due to urgent duties in Ranong, showed the government’s determination to address land encroachment and safeguard public spaces. During the inspection, Anutin received detailed reports from relevant agencies and listened to concerns raised by the local community. He explained the need for integrated cooperation among everyone to ensure that legal action against offenders proceeds effectively, while also protecting the rights of citizens and reinforcing safety for tourists.

Authorities confirmed that investigations into the encroachment case had been completed, with suspects arrested the previous day. Anutin expressed regret for the delay in his visit, acknowledging the hardships faced by residents under the influence of local power groups. He assured the public that agencies have been instructed to act decisively, prevent future violations, and develop a fair management plan for Freedom Beach.

The Prime Minister’s presence shows his commitment to transparency, equal access to public resources, and responsive leadership. By prioritizing community voices and enforcing the law, the government aims to restore confidence in Phuket’s tourism environment and ensure that Freedom Beach remains a safe and accessible destination for all.