Prime Minister Anutin sharply criticized the mafia's seizure of Freedom Beach, calling it "disgusting" and declaring it impossible that government officials would be unaware. He ordered strict legal measures to reclaim the public area and stressed a consistent nationwide policy to suppress influential figures.
At 19:00 on 13 May 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview during an inspection visit at Freedom Beach, Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province, regarding attempts by influential groups to seize the area and expel residents. He warned that if the government does not act swiftly, the area could be converted into private resorts or hotels, condemning the use of forged land documents to deceive the public. "They sell the land certificate, which is garbage—it's forged documentation,"
Anutin emphasized that the beach is national property meant for public use and cannot be privately owned. He expressed anger at such actions, calling them "disgusting," especially if government officials are complicit with investors, noting the construction of over 300 concrete steps. He said it is impossible for officials to be unaware. As Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), he pledged full-scale joint operations to stop the violations and restore justice to the people.
Regarding “Sia Lek,” a suspect who surrendered earlier, Anutin responded lightheartedly, "It’s okay, I didn’t want to meet him anyway. Why meet? Bad luck, no thanks." He reaffirmed that the law will be strictly enforced, ordering trespassers to immediately withdraw. The government will use legal authority to demolish structures and reclaim the land without delay. He assured that once the land is recovered, no influential group will dare to extort again. During the interview, Anutin jokingly pointed at the Phuket Governor and said, "Here’s the mafia—the scariest in Phuket."
Anutin also explained why he had not previously visited Freedom Beach along with Bang Tao Beach, citing urgent duties in Ranong Province, but confirmed that the crackdown on influential figures follows a uniform standard nationwide and that the government never abandons distressed citizens. Regarding legal progress, police opposed bail for the suspects because of their influence and potential witness intimidation, aligning with the intent to impose heavy penalties. Authorities are preparing to expand the crackdown on mafia groups in other areas continuously.
