Freedom Beach Temporarily Closed Over Safety Concerns
Freedom Beach in Phuket has been temporarily closed following a German tourist's disappearance during a water incident on August 10, with authorities strengthening safety protocols amid dangerous monsoon conditions.
On August 14, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the temporary closure of Freedom Beach in Phuket's Muang district following a German tourist's water incident and disappearance on August 10. He has directed the Department of National Parks to strengthen safety protocols and suspend both beach access and water activities to prevent similar accidents and reduce risks to visitors and the public.
Chomklin stressed that "public safety must come first," particularly during monsoon season when the Andaman coast experiences strong waves that can reach 2–3 metres or more in thunderstorm areas. He received a report from Nikorn Silarojananont, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, that Prasorn Kundlsuragan, head of Phuket Forest Centre and Freedom Beach Recreation Area within the Nakha Khao Range National Reserve, has implemented safety measures.
A proclamation dated August 11 formalizes the closure as a preventive measure to allow staff to monitor and assess conditions closely during volatile weather and sea states. Officials will track the situation carefully and consider reopening once weather, sea conditions, and other safety factors are deemed appropriate for tourism.
The minister emphasized that the closure is temporary, not permanent, and is strictly a safety precaution during the high-risk period. The public and tourists are urged to follow official advisories closely and avoid water activities during severe weather and high-wave warnings.
