Anutin personally visited to tackle issues at Freedom Beach, Phuket, assuring the public there is no need to fear. He apologized for the delayed response that caused them to suffer intimidation from influential figures and urged responsible agencies to urgently and seriously solve the problems.
At 17:20 on 13 May 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Along with his team, he boarded a helicopter from Surat Thani Province to continue to the area. Freedom Beach (Freedom Beach), Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province. Connecting to Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province, to follow up on arrests and crackdown on the encroachment of national reserved forest areas near. Freedom Beach.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister and his team met many local residents waiting at the entrance to Freedom Beach to discuss issues of intimidation, eviction, and physical assault by influential groups forcing them out of the area. Previously, Phuket authorities inspected the area following complaints and found forest encroachment near Freedom Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, and adjacent to Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket. Officials seized, arrested, and filed complaints in 23 cases covering over 58 rai, with 17 people arrested. They continue to closely monitor case progress. Most recently, on 12 May 2026, another suspect surrendered to the Karon Police Station regarding encroachment near Freedom Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket.
The Prime Minister and his team then received briefings from the Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Phuket’s Provincial Defense Command, the Chief of Phuket Provincial Police, and the Governor of Phuket. They explained disputes and issues regarding national reserved forest encroachment near Freedom Beach and ongoing prosecutions of suspects. Afterwards, the Prime Minister spoke with local residents who had gathered to report problems in a friendly atmosphere filled with smiles. He. The Prime Minister apologized for his delayed visit, accepting responsibility for arriving late to meet the people. He said he came personally to listen to the problems and assured everyone not to worry as everything will be resolved.
This visit aimed to hear problems and receive status reports from relevant agencies, and to establish a systematic management plan for Freedom Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket. The focus is on integrating all sectors to prosecute offenders while protecting citizens’ rights and building confidence in safety, so tourists can visit the beach comfortably and securely.
. The Prime Minister said the investigation into public land encroachment at Freedom Beach has been completed, with arrests made on 12 May. He emphasized that the public need not seek his mercy and expressed regret and apology for the delayed visit that allowed influential people to intimidate locals. He confirmed he has ordered responsible agencies to urgently and seriously resolve the issues and to monitor closely to prevent future impacts. He also assigned related agencies to collect data to plan management and appropriate, fair use of Freedom Beach in the future. .
