Phuket: A Phuket MP from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) called on the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to address the issue of influential figures seizing "Freedom Beach," deceiving investors, and intimidating officials to the point of forced relocation. Most recently, they posted threats to shoot an MP, and were granted bail of only 200,000 baht, with the caption "I finally have hope." Meanwhile, Nattawut expressed concern about a repeat of the attempted assassination of MP Kamolsak, but affirmed that the incident would not affect his duties and that he would continue to conduct thorough investigations to protect national interests.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket Constituency 2, People's Party, along with Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum, MP (List), People's Party, Mr. Ramadon Panjor, MP (List), and other People's Party MPs, held a press conference after being threatened by an influential figure, "Sia L.," who posted, "Shoot the MP. Bail is 200,000 baht. I have hope now." They stated that the threat stemmed from their investigation into Freedom Beach (Mai Ngao Beach), ranked among the world's nine most beautiful beaches, where they found individuals encroaching on the Khao Nak Kerd National Forest Reserve. They explained that during their previous term as MP, they cracked down on alcohol sales on the beach, alleging that officials were collecting bribes of 200,000 baht per day. Following a crackdown, forestry officials were involved, resulting in gunfire and threats against them. This caused the head of the forestry department to feel unsafe and request a transfer, citing poor health.
Most recently, they discovered the construction of a luxury resort and have called on the Department of Forestry or the Director-General of the Department of Forestry to take action. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and the Prime Minister have also expressed concern about the encroachment on natural resources, where influential individuals are charging entrance fees to foreigners and fraudulently selling land to foreigners for 18 million baht in cash. Furthermore, they are deceiving Thai citizens by claiming to be able to buy and sell land within national forest reserves for the construction of luxury resorts. This demonstrates the audacity of those using or encroaching on this land.
Furthermore, this individual has posted derogatory remarks about the MP's performance of his duties, claiming it was unfair and questioning why other beach areas were not investigated instead of this one. Most recently, last night, he posted a threat that if the MP was shot, bail would only be 200,000 baht. This indicates a lack of safety for the MP in performing his duties honestly and straightforwardly. Evidence and documents regarding the land clearly show that Mr. L. has a history of fraudulent land sales and operates as an influential figure in the area. There are constant threats of gunfire whenever officials are on duty or inspecting the area. Moreover, he possesses firearms and weapons of war, which he has posted photos of on social media, highlighting the insecurity in the area.
Mr. Chalermpong urged the government to strictly enforce regulations regarding firearms and to investigate foreigners who are profiting from this activity and damaging Thailand's image. He further stated that Mr. L's modus operandi was to deceive foreigners into investing in the construction of a resort. He charged foreigners 300 baht per person for beach access and sold alcoholic beverages to those relaxing on the beach. This beach is public and cannot be privately owned. Therefore, the Forestry Department had to reclaim the land and demolish the buildings.
Mr. Chalermpong confirmed that the account used in the threatening post was his real name and surname, and it's also the name he uses to own the land. He wasn't in the area when the post was made last night, so he hasn't filed a police report yet, but he will go to Patong Police Station as soon as he returns to Phuket. Following the threatening post by "Mr. L," the province sent a deputy governor to the area and informed him that if he felt unsafe, he could request assistance from the Territorial Defense Volunteers (Or Sor).
Mr. Chalermpong stated that in the past, Mr. L. had accused him of oppressing ordinary people who were struggling to make ends meet. Mr. L. also claimed that this plot of land belonged to his father, while the area is a national forest reserve in the Nakornkird mountain range. Forestry Department officials have already demarcated the land, indicating it belongs to the department. Therefore, he appealed to the Director-General of the Forestry Department to be sincere in his position.
Mr. Nattawut stated that, as a member of the People's Party's executive committee, he believes that no one should be intimidated in the performance of their duties. Furthermore, the party fears a repeat of the assassination attempt on Mr. Kamolsak Leewamoh, a Member of Parliament from Narathiwat Province representing the Prachachart Party. He emphasized that this is not just a matter of an individual or the People's Party alone, but a matter of fulfilling one's duty to scrutinize and protect the interests of the people and the nation.
The People's Party calls upon the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to address the issues that have arisen and offers its support to forestry officials who are performing their duty to protect the national interest in Phuket Province. The party also urges the government to implement strong policies to deal with influential figures involved. The People's Party will continue its investigation into Freedom Beach to prevent capitalists from exploiting the area and to safeguard the national interest, especially for Phuket, a top tourist destination.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ramadon stated that the post occurred on the same day that progress was made in the case, with the suspect in the shooting of Mr. Kamolsak Leewamae being granted bail of 200,000 baht. Therefore, the figure of 200,000 baht in the post is likely related. Seeing that an assassination attempt or shooting of an MP could result in bail of 200,000 baht, it is understood that this was probably a reference to that case in order to discuss Mr. Chalermpong's case.
Reporters investigated the Facebook page of Mr. L., the person who posted the message, and found that the post had been edited. The new message read: 'Shooting an MP, bail set at 200,000 baht. I have hope now (a short message, they didn't understand. I was being sarcastic after learning that the two gunmen who shot MP Kamolsak were granted bail. I interpreted the gunman's thoughts as (I have hope now). It has nothing to do with any MP from Phuket).' He attempted to clarify that the original post was intended as sarcasm after learning that the court had granted bail to the two gunmen for 200,000 baht.