Minister Probes Russian's 16M Baht Phuket Land Fraud Claim
Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin met with a Russian national who claims to have lost 16 million baht in a land fraud scheme at Phuket's Freedom Beach. The victim says signs advertising the land as private property misled buyers for years. The minister has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the alleged fraud and broader land encroachment issues at the beach.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin revealed that on the morning of November 8, 2026, he met and discussed the case with a Russian victim who alleges being tricked into buying land in the Freedom Beach area of Phuket worth 16 million baht. The meeting aimed to hear the victim's grievances and find a resolution to ensure justice.
Following the talks, the victim sent a message via LINE to Dr. Jamlong Jitrod, the ministry's political affairs spokesperson, expressing gratitude to the Thai government for taking the matter seriously. The victim noted that for many years, signs openly advertising the sale and lease of land at Freedom Beach had been posted, along with signs declaring the area private property and prohibiting outsiders from entering. This created the impression that the land held private title deeds and could be legally bought and sold.
The victim further stated that the 16 million baht represented the family's life savings accumulated over several years. They urged the government to conduct a comprehensive fact-check, pursue legal action against any wrongdoers, and help recover at least a portion of the lost funds.
Minister Suchat emphasized that resolving the Freedom Beach issue requires a multi-dimensional investigation covering both land encroachment and complaints about land transactions, so that the truth emerges and justice is served for all parties. "Whoever commits wrongdoing must face legal responsibility, while those who have suffered damage in good faith must receive justice. We will proceed to protect natural resources while safeguarding the rights of both Thai citizens and foreigners who enter Thailand in good faith," he said.
