The Interior Ministry has ordered a probe into Phuket land ownership amid evidence of foreign-linked companies suspected of unlawful occupation of land plots.
Speaking on Thursday after a policy meeting with provincial officials at Phuket Provincial Hall, Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said his ministry has instructed the Department of Lands (DoL) to coordinate with Phuket authorities to take both civil and criminal action against over 200 foreign-owned companies in the province.
Mr Polapee added that areas lacking clear ownership documentation, including several beach locations inspected by officials on Wednesday, will be investigated by the DoL.
The ministry is also working with the Royal Forest Department to survey Phuket and nearby tourism provinces for possible forest encroachment and illegally issued land titles.
Findings will be reported to the ministry before additional measures are introduced.
Mr Polapee said officials are also addressing Phuket’s waste management challenges and reviewing regulations affecting businesses along Patong Beach Walking Street after authorities found that some entrepreneurs were complying with the law while others were not.
According to him, the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) and related agencies have been tasked with examining zoning regulations and outdated rules to determine whether reforms are needed and to explore ways to help businesses enter the legal system more easily.
When asked if these actions are aimed at purging senior officials reportedly involved in bribery, Mr Polapee suggested that these civil servants should not be presumed guilty before investigations are completed.
