Anutin Cracks Down on Gangsters Illegally Renting Public Beach Land, Vows Tough Action

At 12:05 p.m. on May 10, 2025, at Bang Tao Beach in Thalang District, Phuket, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke after reviewing a report on beach encroachment cases. He said the government received complaints from local residents who make their living at Bang Tao Beach and were harassed by gangsters and subjected to illegal rental arrangements involving public land being leased out for restaurants and other businesses.

Anutin stated that all procedures involved were illegal and the government must correct them according to law. Those who fraudulently lease land they have no rights to must face both criminal and civil charges, as must those who threaten and intimidate innocent citizens.

The Prime Minister said the government has a duty to assist if residents were deceived through lack of knowledge, and must find ways for them to continue earning a livelihood since they've already invested and been employed. However, everything must be conducted legally.

Anutin said the government would attempt to create a model at Bang Tao Beach, where the Forestry Department owns the land, to see if the locality could be given authority to provide livelihood opportunities for residents. However, there can be no beach monopoly—it must remain accessible to the public.

Anutin said he assigned Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Leeangpraseert to accelerate full implementation, noting the Phuket governor possesses strong experience in problem-solving.

Regarding shops still facing problems, Anutin said they cannot reopen yet because they stem from illegal activities and must be corrected as quickly as possible. The state will expedite resolution and grant flexibility where possible, but violators will be arrested and lose opportunities.

Anutin stated: "If they claim to be deceived but still violate orders today, it shows they weren't deceived but are accomplices, and they'll forfeit government assistance. We're already working fast—don't worry, orders issued today are completed yesterday."

When asked if empowering the Forestry Department could create a double-edged sword enabling encroachment elsewhere, Anutin said this area should be treated as a sandbox to examine whether opportunities can be created for people to earn a living legally, which isn't a double-edged sword.

Anutin added that if an existing situation doesn't involve development, obstruction, environmental damage, or natural disasters, solutions must be found. He emphasized this isn't about whether it's possible but finding a way. If the government only declares something illegal and ends discussion, or tells people to find other work, that's not an efficient government.

Regarding foreign nationals occupying land on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani, Anutin said everything must comply with law and that authorities must examine how foreigners hold rights—as renters or landowners—and review the applicable regulations.