The NACC committee conducted a field visit to Phuket's famous beaches regarding forest reserve encroachment cases, ordering police to expedite investigations within 90 days and setting a 15-day deadline to submit all evidence relevant to the case.
On 27 June 2026, Mr. Asapol Santrai-phop, Chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Committee (NACC) of the House of Representatives, along with committee members and relevant government agencies in Phuket Province, conducted a proactive fact-finding inspection at Nui and Freedom Beaches, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. The visit aimed to monitor progress on resolving unlawful land possession, public land encroachment, issues involving local influential groups, and the practice of using Thai nationals as nominees holding land on behalf of foreign investors.
After inspecting the environment and actual land boundaries at these two key locations, Mr. Asapol revealed that while the court had already revoked titles at Nui Beach, seven additional suspicious plots were found that might also involve improperly issued land titles. The committee will now gather facts and invite main agencies such as the Royal Forest Department and the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) to provide explanations. If irregularities are confirmed, further revocations will be ordered immediately.
Regarding Freedom Beach, land department data shows the area is divided into nine plots, of which the court has already annulled titles for two plots due to improper issuance. The remaining seven plots are under investigation concerning the issuance of title deeds and land use certificates (Nor Sor 3) amid serious concerns that these areas might be pristine forest land.
Additionally, there are 24 unresolved forest reserve encroachment cases at Freedom Beach under the jurisdiction of local police stations. Some cases have yet to identify and prosecute offenders. The NACC committee has urged police to accelerate case processing, setting a 90-day timeframe for progress reports to verify if delays or negligence exist.
"Regarding the overall timeline for the committee’s work, no final deadline has been set yet. However, for efficiency, I have requested all relevant agencies to compile and submit all land title documents, histories, and related information to the committee within 15 days via the Phuket Provincial Office. This will allow for an in-depth verification process under the authority of the House," Mr. Asapol emphasized.