Environment Minister Sends Deputy to Investigate Freedom Beach Forest Encroachment Case Against 'Sai Lek'
A deputy environment minister investigated illegal construction at Freedom Beach's national forest reserve by a suspect known as 'Sai Lek', finding unauthorized structures on roughly 10 rai of protected land in Phuket Province. The governme
Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is accelerating enforcement against natural resource encroachment following directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Ministry, which have instructed all agencies to strictly enforce laws against powerful groups and influential figures illegally occupying state land, particularly forest reserves and important tourism areas. On May 12, Suchat tasked Deputy Minister Nantachat Suphomongkol with traveling to Phuket Province alongside Provincial Administrator Roongrueang Thimabutr and Forest Department officials to investigate the encroachment of a national forest reserve at Freedom Beach, a world-famous tourist destination.
Deputy Minister Nantachat stated that this operation represents an escalation of law enforcement to reclaim forests and protect the nation's natural resources, with action taken impartially against all violators regardless of their influence or wealth. The government emphasizes protecting natural resources, and justice must apply equally to all parties, though those responsible for forest destruction will face strict legal consequences.
Suspect Prin, known as 'Sai Lek', met with Deputy Minister Nantachat during the investigation and submitted to questioning by Karon Police regarding four cases under the Forestry Act of 1941 and the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964. Officials confirmed unauthorized construction on approximately 10 rai within the national forest reserve, and despite the suspect's claims of long-term occupation and land title documents (Por Sor. 4-01), authorities proceeded based on evidence and facts applied fairly to all parties.
Forest reserve encroachment carries penalties of one to ten years imprisonment and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, with violators potentially liable for damages based on the value of affected natural resources.
