"People's Party MPs" criticize the deeply rooted extortion in Phuket, highlighting that entrepreneurs complain extortion still occurs today. They reveal two district chiefs under investigation have been reassigned back to their areas, while MP Lisa points out that investors fear the influence of power groups, affecting economic confidence.
On 22 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chalermpong Sangdee, Phuket MP from the People's Party, spoke at a Shadow Cabinet meeting about the transfer of officials in Phuket and the visit of the Minister of Interior. He said the problem in Phuket is not just about transferring the governor, deputy governor, and Provincial Police Commander of Region 8 but reflects the 'Blue Regime' trying to entrench itself locally. Phuket’s issue is not individual but structural, with influential figures deeply embedded in the system. Upon returning to the area, he received a warning call from a respected police officer saying, “Be careful,” indicating influential figures who disregard the law. This officer explained that behind the scenes there is power, politics, and huge vested interests linked to high-ranking officials extorting from citizens and businesses. Entrepreneurs are complaining about paying, not a new problem but a longstanding issue in Phuket.
Mr. Chalermpong added that when the Prime Minister and Deputy Minister of Interior visited Freedom Beach or Bang Tao Beach, they might not realize what problems Phuket faces. Visiting tourist spots with public land encroachment doesn’t solve anything. The official transfers seem like a photo opportunity or meetings with their own groups to check if businesses are prospering or if bribes are being sent to them. He has been raising these issues since his previous term as MP.
Mr. Chalermpong further stated that what they must do is compile a list of influential figures; the Ministry of Interior already has population data and likely knows who these individuals are and who encroaches on public beach areas, as there have been legal cases before. Yet, the government delays crackdowns, allowing those entrepreneurs to continue operating. The government must stop symbolic gestures and focus on investigating the power network, gathering evidence, and decisively prosecuting those involved regardless of identity. Currently, entrepreneurs feel unsafe, and the extortion problem in Phuket is not just about under-the-table payments but is destroying Phuket’s economy, harming honest businesses, and deterring investors and tourists who also feel unsafe.
Mr. Chalermpong described the current situation: central government agencies have come to gather data, but the extortion continues as usual. At month-end, extortion is collected on a schedule, embedded deeply in Phuket’s system. Investigating it is difficult due to lack of evidence. He urged everyone to watch the official transfers aimed at preserving the Blue Regime. Two district chiefs previously transferred over extortion issues—of Mueang and Thalang districts—have returned to their posts after only a one-month investigation, with agreements made with the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. Soon, the Mueang district chief will serve as acting Phuket provincial secretary on 24 June. He urged close attention to how seriously investigations into bribery and 'Help Blue' chat messages are conducted. In October, the deputy governor transferred from Samut Sakhon province will stay in Phuket for only three months awaiting promotion to level C10, reflecting preparations to favor this regime.
Meanwhile, Ms. Phakamon Hunanant, list MP from the People's Party, expressed additional concerns about the appointment and transfer of senior officials in Phuket. She urged the Prime Minister not to evade the issue with rhetoric, noting that the transfers of deputy governor and governor are just a staged act. What the public wants is the truth. The Prime Minister cannot continue the charade. She received a letter from business operators in Phuket clearly stating that these transfers have undermined investor confidence, causing reluctance to invest.
“They don’t know who to approach when investing in Phuket. Whenever they step on someone's shadow or influence, they wonder if they will be safe and able to conduct business in Phuket,” Ms. Phakamon said.
She added that she spoke with the letter’s author who said that besides preparing business capital, investors in Phuket must also prepare extortion costs. This shows that straightforward investment is impossible in Phuket. The Prime Minister’s current actions profit politically, but the bigger impact is on Phuket’s economy, a significant part of Thailand’s economy. Therefore, if the Prime Minister continues to evade and obscure the truth, neither Thailand nor the public will see reality.
Ms. Phakamon recalled that about 2-3 months ago, under the Blue Regime, the Prime Minister as Interior Minister did nothing after a leaked chat message pleading “Help Blue” from the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. Now, despite the Prime Minister’s stern announcements about setting up investigation committees and two calls from the Political Development Commission, the response remains that no committee has been established. The person who used the LINE account named 'Young Secretary' to send messages supporting the Bhumjaithai Party has not been investigated. Regarding the deputy governor’s transfer, she questioned what the truth is and urged the Prime Minister to clarify if the transfer relates to any influential groups. These issues affect national confidence.
She also urged the Prime Minister to answer how the government can assure people that the transfers of the deputy governor and governor are not just laying down a new Blue Regime power structure in Phuket. How can the public believe this is not about political power? The person most detached from these issues is the Prime Minister, who must reveal the truth and explain the situation. The impact is not just on the Ministry of Interior or Bhumjaithai Party but on all Thai citizens, who almost no longer trust these transfers or the government’s actions.
“Today, the problem is the Bhumjaithai Party competing fiercely to consolidate power within the party. This is your issue, not the burden of the public. The public doesn’t need to bear or know about it. What must be cleared with society and the nation is that your power should not be a burden on the people. Don’t make the public carry the instability and distrust in the government and Bhumjaithai Party’s handling of today’s situation.” Ms. Phakamon said.
Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, list MP and leader of the People's Party, concluded by acknowledging that the current government may have a background causing public distrust, from official appointments and transfers possibly linked to election interference, raising questions about transparency and fairness. He said the Prime Minister must clarify if the current official transfers were due to any wrongdoing.
If the Prime Minister does not clarify, entrepreneurs and businessmen will question whether a hidden network is being established in Phuket. To build public confidence, the government should show results and explain what outcomes the appointments and transfers aim to achieve. For example, identifying nominee businesses and gray networks scattered across tourist sites is a significant problem. Beyond just appointments, if the Prime Minister clearly announces how the overall problems in Phuket will improve in the next 2-3 months, it will boost business confidence.
When asked whether the newly transferred Phuket governor and deputy governor are from the same faction or will differ in tackling gray capital and mafia issues, Ms. Phakamon urged the public to help observe. She recalled that the governor of Songkhla province once sent a letter ordering district chiefs to welcome a minister, which was criticized. Instead of investigating the facts, that governor claimed the letter was forged despite clear signatures. This reflects that those serious about Phuket would not deny their own official signatures. The public has many doubts about the transfer of Phuket’s governor. The Ministry of Interior... (text cut off)