Phuket Land Dispute Intensifies Over Freedom Beach Designation

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A heated land dispute has erupted over Phuket's Freedom Beach, as the heirs of former landowner Panthong Na Ranong seek to halt its recent designation as a recreational forest. The family's legal representatives petitioned the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Phuket, arguing that unresolved land rights should be addressed before the area's classification as protected land becomes official.

 

The petition filed on 13 March challenges the Royal Forest Department's decision to designate 41 rai of Freedom Beach as a recreational forest on 31 January. According to the legal team, the land is covered by Chanote title deeds 46250 and 46251. These deeds, while initially deemed legitimate, became embroiled in a forgery case, leading to their seizure.

 

The lawyers assert that although other deeds were nullified, Panthong's remained valid. They claim that attempts to retrieve the original documents were thwarted by officials, who indicated their destruction. Now, Panthong's heirs are pressing to assert their rights to the land.

 

 

Their case has been taken to the Administrative Court, demanding the return of original deeds from the Phuket Provincial Land Office. In addition, they have urged the Phuket Governor to pause the recreational forest designation pending a legal resolution.

 

Lieutenant Commander Phongsakorn Itsamut from ISOC Phuket has assured that the evidence will be thoroughly reviewed, with findings submitted to the governor to ensure a fair decision for all parties involved.

 

This dispute has reignited broader concerns over land conflicts in Phuket, marking another instance where private claims clash with governmental conservation efforts. The outcome here could set a crucial precedent for future land rights cases, with keen interest from both conservationists and landowners, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-14

 

 

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

arguing that unresolved land rights should be addressed before the area's classification as protected land becomes official.

Too right...