Freedom Beach Encroachment Suspect Surrenders to Phuket Police

Authorities in Phuket announced the arrest of a key suspect linked to the long-running Freedom Beach land encroachment case after the man voluntarily surrendered to police on May 12.

According to Phuket’s Public Relations Department, the 51-year-old suspect, identified only as Parinthorn, is connected to four separate criminal cases involving the alleged illegal occupation of 57 rai of protected forest land in Karon subdistrict. Although officials have repeatedly stated that the Freedom Beach dispute has continued for more than a decade, the current cases were officially filed only this year.

The four cases registered by Karon Police relate to the following plots of land:

• Case No. 224/2569: 9 rai, 3 ngan, and 40 square wah

• Case No. 227/2569: 50 square wah

• Case No. 228/2569: 1 ngan and 4 square wah

• Case No. 229/2569: 82 square wah

Karon Police Chief Colonel Pathapi Srichai confirmed that formal charges had been filed against Parinthorn, although authorities did not disclose further details. Officials and local media have also referred to the suspect as “Mr. L.”

The same alias was previously mentioned by MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who publicly claimed he had received threats after exposing alleged illegal activities connected to Freedom Beach. The politician also accused “Mr. L” of selling land and property near the beach to foreign buyers. Earlier reports included images of purchase agreements showing Russian names and surnames, although it remains unclear whether any foreign nationals are among the suspects in the ongoing investigation.

On the same day, representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, led by Assistant Minister Major General Nanthachat Supamongkon, inspected the Freedom Beach area. Officials did not mention whether they encountered resistance from armed guards who had previously been accused of intimidating ministry staff by firing warning shots into the air.

Authorities stated that the dispute intensified after the death of the land’s original owner in 2015, when control over the area allegedly shifted to a private management group.

Officials said a total of 23 legal cases have now been opened in connection with the Freedom Beach investigation. MP Chalermpong repeated calls for financial investigations into businesses and transactions tied to the protected land, specifically urging Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to examine the flow of funds connected to the area.

The lawmaker also stated that 17 individuals are currently considered suspects in the case. However, authorities have not confirmed whether foreign property holders are included among them.