Deputy Ministers Polpee and Worasit led a team to address problems at Freedom Beach, Phuket, ordering an investigation into Nor Sor 3 land documents after claims of charging beach access fees. They affirmed that Phuket extortion is unrelated to the Bhumjaithai Party and challenged whistleblowers to identify involved individuals after a Phuket social media page released photos linking the party director with a famous deputy governor.
On 17 June 2026 at 16:30, Deputy Ministers Polpee Suwanchawi and Worasit Liangprasit, accompanied by Chaiwat Juntirapong, Secretary to the Minister of Interior, and Ronarong Tipsiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, visited the area to address issues of local strongmen, public land encroachment, nominees, and extortion in Phuket province.
Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, Nirath Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket, reported on the situation and progress before they proceeded to their first site visit at Freedom Beach, Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket. Along the route, signs marked "Seizure Area" were displayed, and officials reported some operators claimed land titles and were charging tourists 100 baht each to access the beach.
Additional reports indicated that before the Prime Minister's recent visit, this location had umbrellas and deck chairs set up, with frequent gunfire used to intimidate officials inspecting the area. This land is state-owned resource land and territory. Moreover, there are floating barriers near the beach; outside monsoon season, tour boats can bring visitors here and similarly charge access fees.
After visiting Freedom Beach, Deputy Minister Polpee said they came to observe the site firsthand to understand initial problems reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which identified areas designated as agricultural land (Sor Por Kor) and forest land. The area behind where he spoke holds Nor Sor 3 land titles, currently under investigation by the Department of Lands to determine issuance date and legitimacy. The area claiming Nor Sor 3 reportedly charges a 300-meter beach access fee, and on the opposite side, “Sia Lek” also collects fees for beach entry. Recently, some parts of Freedom Beach have had umbrellas set up and fees charged, which is improper since the land is fully state property and commercial activity there is illegal. They aimed to assess how tourists are treated and whether they are being exploited.
"For anyone running a business improperly, I invite you to come to the clinic to register and talk with us. We want to understand any obstacles in obtaining licenses or if you face extortion or mafia interference. Please tell us what you have experienced. Both Worasit and I promise to support Phuket residents so they can live and work without mafia, influence, or exploitation. This is the Prime Minister’s true goal. We are not here to close Phuket but to enable operators and locals to live happily," he said.
Regarding extortion involving officials and links to the deputy governor of Phuket, Deputy Minister Polpee stated that if everything is done legally, no one would collect such fees. However, many exploit legal loopholes and official gaps to take advantage of citizens and operators, which the Prime Minister cannot accept.
When asked about recent provincial leadership changes and how the new administration will handle the situation, Polpee said the issue is not about who becomes governor or deputy governor or other Interior Ministry positions. The Prime Minister’s policy is clear on what needs to be done to assist Phuket. Following this approach should prevent conflicts with anyone.
On plans for developing the area, Deputy Minister Worasit said it is well known that the land belongs to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which plans to develop it to enhance tourism quality and better care for visitors.
Deputy Minister Polpee also addressed a case where a popular social media page released a photo of Sirapop Duangsodsri, director of the Bhumjaithai Party, with a former well-known deputy governor of Phuket, urging scrutiny of links between major political parties. He said there are no allegations directly implicating the Bhumjaithai Party, though party personnel photos circulate on social media.
Polpee reiterated that the Bhumjaithai Party is not involved. If anyone has evidence that party officials—whether former candidates, MPs, or ministers—engaged in mafia-like behavior, they should report it. No one within the party will be protected if proven guilty.
When asked to confirm this is not a whitewash, Polpee said, “No, we have investigated and completed legal processes. Anyone guilty will be held accountable regardless of rank or political affiliation. Wrong is wrong, and the party will not shield them.”
Regarding public expectations that the three new Deputy Ministers of Interior will purge extortion and local strongmen, Deputy Minister Worasit, also a Bhumjaithai MP for Satun, said, “Definitely, 100 percent.” He recalled that if party personnel were truly involved and influential, there would be no transfers, as they would protect their interests. The Prime Minister has demonstrated and set this policy clearly. Issues that arise will be addressed accordingly.
Worasit added that their work is fully committed, aiming to organize and solve problems, understanding that extortion stems from minor violations creating opportunities for exploitation. They will correct wrongs to remove conditions enabling abuse. He emphasized they already work diligently, focusing on naming and addressing misconduct not only in Phuket but across all provinces.
