Phonphir strongly retorted, urging not to just oppose for show and demanding evidence. He criticized the withholding of information as unhelpful to Phuket residents after a People's Party MP claimed extortion still occurs in Phuket.
On 22 June 2026 GMT+7, Phonphir Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, responded to People's Party MP Chalermpong Saengdee's statement that the Deputy Minister's visit to Phuket was merely for show and that operators still face extortion. Phonphir said he and Deputy Minister Warasit Liangprasit visited Phuket to verify complaints from business operators about extortion linked to state officials. Their purpose was to solve problems and confirm facts, not to make appearances or seek publicity as Chalermpong claimed.
Currently, the Department of Provincial Administration has established a consultation center and a clinic to handle hotel and service establishment legal issues. This initiative aims to unblock tourism business obstacles and expedite assistance to tourism operators. Over 700 hotel operators with pending service opening applications have been assigned to Phuket's deputy governor for speedy processing, enabling them to operate legally without hiding or becoming victims of extortion.
Phonphir emphasized that inspections continue alongside public and business support. He called on those previously involved in extortion cycles to trust the Ministry of Interior and join the process to resolve issues. He stressed there is no need to pay extortionists seeking illegal gains. Regarding nominee evidence collection, officials are working on it; they are not vigilantes who decide guilt immediately. If the Supreme Court rules land cases as wrongful, the Ministry will promptly revoke titles. Areas suspected of improper title issuance are being urgently reviewed by the Land Department.
Therefore, Phonphir said that if People's Party MPs claim extortion still occurs, they should present evidence showing who is involved and whether state officials are connected, so that actions can proceed. He warned against vague accusations, saying that such baseless claims accusing them of making a show are no different from opposing without evidence—merely opposition for appearance's sake.
"So, who are the extortion victims and perpetrators? Speak clearly. Are those paying the fees operating illegally? Please do not withhold information because failing to reveal it does not help Phuket. If you truly want to help Phuket, provide the information, as no one knows Phuket better than its own people."