Anutin Adamant: Won't Allow Foreigners to Steal Thai Jobs or Seize Public Land - Cracking Down on Beach Order
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Koh Pangan to address illegal activities and tourism-related problems, pledging to prevent foreigners from monopolizing business opportunities and seizing public beaches. He ordered land allocations to go directly to local residents rather than through companies, and warned that if stability doesn't improve, the government will consider it a failure. The visit marks a government commitment to developing tourism while protecting Thai livelihoods and environmental preservation.
At 3 PM on May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by the Interior Minister and officials, visited Koh Pangan School to meet with residents and announce government policies for the area. Anutin stated he came to address escalating problems seriously, acknowledging that while foreign tourists bring money, Thailand must receive legitimate income from tourism spending rather than allowing foreigners to monopolize business opportunities.
Anutin emphasized that Thailand must protect its environment and beaches, preventing any group or company from monopolizing public coastal areas. Beach zones must be properly organized with cooperation from local administrations to allocate livelihood opportunities directly to residents, not through intermediaries. He stated this is his first visit to address illegal activities damaging Koh Pangan's interests while organizing the area for orderly tourism development.
The Prime Minister warned that if Koh Pangan lacks stability, it constitutes government failure, and he committed to resolving issues to create quality livelihoods and make Koh Pangan an attractive destination. He urged public cooperation in reporting illegal activities without fear, noting that Phumijai Thai Party MP Piphit Rattanarak of Surat Thani represents residents' interests, making their problems the government's concern. Anutin pledged to improve infrastructure and maximize income opportunities while implementing proper management of the island.