No freedom at Freedom Beach: Land dispute sparks Phuket showdown
A heated land dispute has erupted over Phuket’s Freedom Beach, with the heirs of a landowner demanding the suspension of its recent designation as a recreational forest.
Lawyers representing the family of Panthong Na Ranong petitioned the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), arguing that unresolved land rights issues must be settled before the area is officially classified as protected land.
The petition, submitted yesterday, March 13 and received by Lieutenant Commander Phongsakorn Itsamut of ISOC Phuket, challenges the Royal Forest Department’s decision to designate 41 rai of Freedom Beach as a recreational forest on January 31.
The legal team claims the land is covered by Chanote title deeds 46250 and 46251, which were legally issued but later seized as evidence in a forgery case.
According to the lawyers, while other title deeds involved in the case were revoked, Panthong’s remained valid. However, when he sought their return, officials reportedly informed him that the original documents had been destroyed. Now, his heirs are fighting to reclaim what they insist is rightfully theirs.
The landowners have taken their case to the Administrative Court, demanding that the Phuket Provincial Land Office return the original title deeds.
Additionally, they have called on the Phuket Governor to halt the recreational forest designation until the matter is legally resolved.
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Lt. Cdr. Phongsakorn assured that officials will thoroughly review the evidence and submit their findings to the governor to ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved.
The case has reignited concerns over land disputes in Phuket, where conflicts between private land claims and government conservation efforts have frequently led to legal battles, reported The Phuket News.
As tensions mount, the outcome of this dispute could set a significant precedent for future land rights cases in Phuket, with both conservationists and landowners closely watching the developments.
In similar news, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) continues its investigation into a 5,000-rai land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL) in Buriram. The review of ownership documents, witness statements, and historical records is ongoing, with no clear timeline for the investigation’s conclusion.
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