Minister Leads 350-Officer Operation to Reclaim Phuket's Freedom Beach
Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister led a 350-officer operation to demolish illegal structures and reclaim Phuket's Freedom Beach from influential encroachers. The 9-rai area, linked to 22 legal cases, will be transformed into a recreational forest and A-grade tourist attraction. The minister called the action a New Year's gift restoring public access to the beach and vowed to expand the "Phuket Model" of enforcement nationwide.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surachet Chomklin launched a major operation dubbed "3-Billion-Baht Assault on Freedom Beach," mobilizing 350 officials to reclaim the beach from influential encroachers, calling it a New Year's gift to the Thai people.
On November 8, 2026, Minister Surachet Chomklin visited Freedom Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province, to preside over the large-scale operation "3-Billion-Baht Assault on Freedom Beach." He was joined by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesup Thep-suphap, Forestry Department Director-General Nikan Si-rotchananant, and other relevant agencies.
The mission deployed 350 officers from natural resources, administrative, and police agencies, supported by heavy machinery and backhoes, to demolish illegal structures on a plot of over 9 rai linked to 22 cases involving a Mr. Prin. The action followed completed legal proceedings and demolition orders issued by national park protection officers.
Minister Surachet stated the operation follows Prime Minister's orders to decisively address influential figures and state land encroachment. The government will not allow any individual or group to seize natural resources and public areas for personal gain. Everyone must be under the same law, with no privileges above ordinary citizens.
"The word 'Freedom' means liberty and freedom. Freedom Beach must therefore be a beach of liberty where all citizens can access and benefit equally, whether they are Phuket locals, Thais from other provinces, or tourists. No one has rights over public beaches, and no one should use influence to block or prevent access to this area. Freedom Beach must belong to the people, not the influential," the minister said.
The Minister added that reclaiming Freedom Beach will not end with demolition but will proceed with restoration and sustainable development for public benefit. Over 41 rai have been designated as a "recreational forest" to be developed into an A+ grade tourist attraction, giving the public and tourists equal access to natural beauty under conservation principles. A tourist service center will be established after demolition is complete.
Minister Surachet emphasized this operation represents restoring public rights and serves as a deliberate New Year's gift to all Thais, ensuring this beautiful beach truly becomes public space, not the domain of any single group. The ministry will expand the "Phuket Model" to continuously manage encroached areas and enforce the law.
"This New Year's gift is not just about returning a piece of forest or beach, but about returning freedom to the people. Because the nation's natural resources must be the property of all Thai people, not the influential," the minister concluded.
