PM Cracks Down on Bang Tao Beach, Vows Zero Tolerance for Gangsters and Warns They'll Face Real Consequences
Prime Minister Anuthon Cracks down on illegal encroachments at Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, vowing zero tolerance for gangsters intimidating residents and pledging severe consequences for criminal elements operating in the area.
At 11:20 AM on May 10, 2025, in Phuket Province, Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyaweerakul and the Minister of Natural Resources visited Bang Tao Beach in Thalang District to review reports on the prolonged illegal encroachment of public beach areas. The delegation included Deputy Minister Vorasit Leangprasit, PM Secretary Traisuli Triserngkul, and senior officials from the National Police and Phuket Provincial Government.
The Prime Minister said he came to the area with grave concern, as citizens had reported being threatened and intimidated by gangsters and criminal elements. He rejected labeling them as influential figures, stating they deserve no such title—calling them ordinary thugs instead. He warned that under his administration, there will be no room for such criminal intimidation of the public.
Anuthon declared that these elements are not truly influential and warned that if they show up, residents should report them to the subdistrict administrator, police, or local authorities. He pledged to use his full authority to protect and safeguard the public. He emphasized that solving the problem requires addressing root causes one by one, and that all parties must be honest about the fact that no legitimate land rights exist for illegal structures.
The PM noted that two years ago, he visited Bang Tao Beach and found that all unauthorized structures on government land were illegal. He stated that if business operators acknowledge this, the government can explore legitimate options for public use of the area. However, he made clear that any arrangement cannot restrict public access to the beach.
Anuthon expressed satisfaction that as Prime Minister, he now has greater authority to enforce policies across all ministries. He emphasized his top priority is eliminating influential crime gangs and mafia operations in Thailand. He warned that state officials will be the real mafia against criminal gangs, and urged citizens to have faith that gangster thugs will face serious consequences.
