Suchart launches a decisive 3-billion-baht operation mobilizing 350 officers to reclaim Freedom Beach, declaring it a New Year's gift for Thai people and emphasizing the beach must be a place of freedom accessible to all citizens.
On 8 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Suchart Chomklin visited Freedom Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province, to preside over the launch of the major operation "Three-Billion-Baht Decisive Operation at Freedom Beach." He mobilized 350 officers from natural resources agencies, administrative authorities, and police, supported by heavy machinery and backhoe loaders, to demolish structures on a 9-rai plot related to Mr. Prin, totaling 22 items. This followed legal procedures and official orders from the officials responsible for supervising and protecting the national reserved forest.
Mr. Suchart stated that this operation follows the Prime Minister’s directive to decisively solve issues involving influential figures and illegal encroachment on state land. The government will not allow any individual or group to occupy natural resources and public areas for personal gain. Everyone must abide by the same law, with no privileges above the public.
“The word ‘Freedom’ means liberty and freedom. Therefore, Freedom Beach must be a beach of freedom that all citizens can access and use equally, whether they are locals from Phuket, people from other provinces, or tourists. No one has the right to dominate the public beach, nor should anyone use influence to monopolize or block access to this area. Freedom Beach belongs to the people, not to influential individuals,” Mr. Suchart said.
Mr. Suchart added that reclaiming Freedom Beach will not end with just demolishing structures; efforts will continue to restore and sustainably develop the area for the public benefit. He announced the establishment of over 41 rai as a "recreational forest," developing it into a quality A+ tourist destination. This will offer opportunities for citizens and tourists to equally experience the natural beauty under principles of natural resource conservation, with plans to set up a tourist service center after the demolition is complete.
Mr. Suchart emphasized that this action is a restoration of rights to the public and a New Year's gift intended for all Thai people, to return this beautiful beach to truly public use rather than belonging to any particular group. He pledged to expand the “Phuket Model” for managing encroached areas and enforcing laws continuously.
“This New Year’s gift is not just about returning forest or beach land; it is about restoring freedom to the people, because the nation’s natural resources belong to all Thai people, not to influential figures.”
