The Chairman of the NACC Committee in Parliament is preparing to lead a delegation to Phuket to investigate the issue of influential figures seizing Freedom Beach, revealing that many government officials from various agencies are involved in corruption.
On 16 June 2026, Mr. Asapol Santraiphop, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) of the House of Representatives, announced progress in the investigation of public land and famous tourist beach encroachment. He revealed that after discussions within the committee, they concluded to conduct a field inspection in Phuket on 26-27 June 2026, with the primary focus on “Freedom Beach.” There are also complaints about other areas, but details are not yet disclosed.
Mr. Asapol said the complaints received by the committee fall into two key categories. The first concerns influential figures and investors illegally occupying state land, such as at Freedom Beach, where previously issued land titles were improperly granted and later revoked. However, these private parties and influential persons continue to occupy and profit from the area openly, prompting the committee to thoroughly investigate why local government agencies have neglected their duties. The second category involves expanding the investigation to nearby areas like Phang Nga province, where similar land-grabbing corruption models have been reported.
When asked about the number of officials involved in this scheme, Mr. Asapol stated that preliminary information shows a considerable number of officials are implicated, coming from multiple agencies with intertwined involvement. This includes direct corruption and misconduct such as neglect of duty under Section 157. He said he cannot yet disclose names or detailed information due to the sensitivity of the case, noting that some officials in certain ministries have become so distressed they are contemplating drastic actions after learning the committee is intensively pursuing the investigation.
In closing, the NACC Committee chairman emphasized that after completing field data collection, the committee will compile all evidence into an official report to be submitted to the country's main anti-corruption and oversight bodies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Prime Minister. The goal is to pursue legal and disciplinary action decisively against all implicated government officials to set a firm example and prevent recurrence.