Asapol, Chairman of the Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Commission, has accepted the Prime Minister's initiative to inspect Phuket on 26-27 June to investigate the mafia’s seizure of Freedom Beach. The commission aims to crack down on grey capital and nominee ownership, inviting three opposition MPs from the area to participate in the investigation and submit evidence for legal action.
On 16 June 2026, Mr. Asapol Santraiphop, Chairman of the Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Commission and MP for Sisaket from the Bhumjaithai Party, along with the commission members, prepared to visit Phuket Province from 26-27 June to verify facts regarding the illegal occupation of public and protected forest land at Freedom Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. Several cases involving forest law violations have been prosecuted there previously.
This inspection aligns with the policies of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, focusing on sweeping out influential figures and foreign capital groups who use Thai nominees to hold businesses, as well as tackling the illegal occupation of public land in Phuket.
Asapol sent official invitations to all three Phuket MPs—Mr. Somchat Techathavorncharoen and Mr. Chalermpong Saengdee from the Prachachon Party, and Ms. Orathai Kerdsap from the Kla Party—to join the commission’s meeting and site inspection. This aims to reflect issues, gather opinions, and exchange information openly, transparently, and comprehensively.
At the same time, local community representatives will be invited to attend, listen, and share their views to collaboratively find solutions to problems caused by business groups and grey capital influencers accused of illegally occupying protected forest land for personal gain. These include unauthorized permanent construction, road cutting, unlawful entrance fees, or operating tourist services without legal permission.
Asapol stated that the commission’s visit sends a strong signal of seriousness in reclaiming national assets. After completing fact-finding and collecting evidence, the commission will forward detailed information to relevant authorities for strict legal action against the trespassers and their backers without exception.
The commission will also help monitor and support efforts to regulate Freedom Beach and other public areas in Phuket to restore them as communal assets genuinely benefiting the public.