BANGKOK: A Russian investor identified as Andrei has appealed for a fair investigation and help recovering 16 million baht (US$478,069) he says he lost in a land deal at Phuket’s Freedom Beach, as officials began demolishing unauthorised structures there on November 8, 2026.
Andrei alleges that Parinthorn, known as “Sia Lek of Freedom Beach”, deceived him into buying state land by falsely presenting it as privately owned. The Nation previously reported that Parinthorn and other suspects initially denied charges of jointly defrauding the public and entering false information into a computer system.
Andrei had planned to build a pool villa as a home for his family and a honeymoon gift. The large, grey, two-storey house was nearly complete but appeared as item seven on a list of 22 structures marked for demolition.
Andrei personally thanked Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin for the government’s attention to the case and accompanied officials during the demolition operation.
Demolition drive targets 22 structures and two additional items
Authorities targeted 22 structures linked to Parinthorn on national forest reserve land in the Nak Kerd mountain range. A separate privately built concrete staircase with 78 steps leading to the beach was also due to be removed, while the occupier of one further structure offered to dismantle it independently.
Nation TV reported that 500 officials and heavy machinery were deployed for the operation led by Suchart. Participants included Police Major General Nanthachat Supamongkol, assistant minister attached to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Royal Forest Department director-general, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division and other agencies.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry named the operation “Three-billion-baht checkmate: reclaiming Freedom Beach’s forest for the nation and the public”. Officials began the work after the required legal procedures for demolition orders issued by officers responsible for the national forest reserve had been completed.
Demolition notices had been prominently displayed at every affected site.
Andrei questions years of land-sale advertising
Land sales and rentals around Freedom Beach had been promoted openly for years, Andrei wrote in a message to a Nation TV reporter. Advertisements lined both sides of the road, alongside notices claiming the land was private property and prohibiting entry without the owner’s permission.
Andrei argued that the signs, visible to thousands of tourists visiting the area, had given prospective buyers, tenants and other visitors the impression that private ownership and transactions involving the land were lawful.
“One issue I believe deserves particular attention is that land sales and rentals around Freedom Beach took place openly and continuously for many years,” Andrei wrote.
Andrei expressed sincere gratitude for the Thai government’s attention to the situation, while emphasising the importance of a careful, comprehensive and fair investigation. Establishing the facts mattered both to those who had suffered losses and to confidence in Thailand, Andrei wrote.
Andrei appeals for recovery of family savings
The losses went beyond money and represented savings that families had accumulated over many years, Andrei wrote. “Behind that money are people’s lives, hopes and dreams for their future,” Andrei added.
Andrei described Thailand as a beautiful country loved by millions of foreigners, many of whom came not only as tourists but also hoping to build a future with their families.
Their plans rested on trust in Thai people and the country’s laws, which cases of alleged fraud could seriously undermine among both foreign nationals and Thais, Andrei argued.
“I very much hope that, with the Thai government’s attention, all the facts and circumstances of this case will be examined thoroughly,” Andrei wrote.
“I hope those who have broken the law will face legal action and those affected will have a chance to recover some of the money they have lost,” Andrei wrote about the Freedom Beach case.
A fair and transparent resolution would demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to the wellbeing and lawful rights of both Thai citizens and foreigners who sincerely love and respect the country, Andrei wrote. - The Nation/ANN
