Phuket: Bang Tao Beach Reclaimed from Tycoons Exploiting Public Land

Matichon•Society•260d ago

Reader Briefing

Authorities in Phuket are launching an operation to reclaim Bang Tao Beach, investigating alleged encroachment by influential individuals using public land for commercial purposes.

•Authorities in Phuket are investigating alleged illegal occupation of Bang Tao Beach public land by influential groups.
•The alleged encroachers are accused of renting out the land and conducting businesses, denying public access.
•An official land survey was conducted on January 28, 2026, with legal action to follow based on gathered evidence.

Overview

•On January 30, reporters observed the survey of public land at Bang Tao Beach.
•The operation was initiated due to complaints about influential groups infringing on state-owned public land at Bang Tao Beach.
•An official land survey of the public area along Bang Tao Beach, outside of surveyed freehold plots, was conducted on January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
•The encroached land is allegedly used for illegal activities including drug parties and operating illegal entertainment venues, restricting public access.
•District Chief of Thalang tasked the sub-district chief and relevant agencies with considering the issue, as the public land falls under the Thalang district's administrative responsibility.
•Residents and the general public are being denied access to the beach area due to the alleged illegal occupation and commercial exploitation.
•Evidence will be gathered and legal proceedings will be initiated against those found to be in violation.
•The public is cautioned against believing false claims of land rights or misleading information and advised to verify with responsible officials before paying rent or engaging in business.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Narrator

"Public land should be for general use. Occupying and encroaching on public land for personal gain is a violation of the law."

ที่ดินสาธารณะควรให้ประชาชนทั่วไปได้ใช้ร่วมกัน การยึดถือครอบครองบุกรุกที่ดินสาธารณะเพื่อประโยชน์ของตัวเองนั้นเป็นการฝ่าฝืนกฎหมาย

Key Entities

Place

Bang Tao Beach(หาดบางเทา)ℹ️

A public beach in Phuket, Thailand, currently at the center of an investigation for alleged illegal encroachment and commercial exploitation of public land.

Thalang District(อำเภอถลาง)ℹ️

An administrative district in Phuket province, responsible for the management and oversight of public land within its jurisdiction, including Bang Tao Beach.

Organization

Provincial Police Region 8 Headquarters(กองบัญชาการตำรวจภูธรภาค 8)

A police command responsible for overseeing law enforcement in Region 8, which includes Phuket, and is involved in the operation to reclaim Bang Tao Beach.

Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 8(กองบังคับการสืบสวนสอบสวนตำรวจภูธรภาค 8)

The investigative branch of Provincial Police Region 8, actively participating in the operation concerning the illegal occupation of Bang Tao Beach.

Choeng Thale Subdistrict Administrative Organization(อบต.เชิงทะเล)

A local administrative organization responsible for the Cheong Tale subdistrict, which includes Bang Tao Beach, and is involved in the efforts to reclaim public land.

Person

Village Headman of Moo 2, Cheong Thale Subdistrict(ผู้ใหญ่บ้านหมู่ 2 ตำบลเชิงทะเล)

The leader of Moo 2 village in Cheong Thale subdistrict, participating in the observation and survey of public land at Bang Tao Beach.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong(พล.ต.ต.เลิศชาย จำปาทอง)

Commander of the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 8, who chaired a meeting concerning the alleged encroachment on Bang Tao Beach.

Mr. Chaiporn Yang-jeen(นายชัยพร ยังจีน)

Sub-district Chief of Thalang District, assigned to review the issue of public land encroachment on Bang Tao Beach.

Land Official(เจ้าพนักงานที่ดิน)

Officials responsible for conducting land surveys, who performed the demarcation of public land at Bang Tao Beach.

Governor of Phuket(ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัดภูเก็ต)

The chief executive of Phuket province, who has been informed about the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings concerning Bang Tao Beach.

Timeline

January 28, 2026(28 มกราคม 2569)

The date on which a land official conducted a survey of public land at Bang Tao Beach as part of the operation to reclaim it.

January 30(30 มกราคม)

The date when reporters were informed and observed officials monitoring the survey of public land at Bang Tao Beach.