On July 24, 2024, a dispute between a reporter and a luxury villa executive on Koh Samui island reached an amicable resolution following a threatening incident during a construction inspection. The confrontation, which occurred earlier in the month, was addressed in a meeting facilitated by local police, resulting in an apology and mutual forgiveness between the parties involved.
The incident began on July 17 when Sitthipong, a reporter from Channel 7 HD, was covering an inspection conducted by officials from the state land intrusion problem-solving team. The inspection focused on luxury villa construction on Chaweng Noi Hill, Bo Phut, and was part of a broader investigation into potential environmental damage and natural resource destruction in the Fourth Army Area.
During the inspection, Sitthipong and some officials were positioned at the project’s entrance when Narongrit, the Thai man overseeing the villa construction, confronted the reporter. Narongrit allegedly threatened Sitthipong over his news coverage, leading to a formal police complaint. The threat included claims of a criminal record and instructions to his subordinates regarding how to handle the reporter should they meet again. This incident was subsequently reported in the news, drawing attention to the tension between media coverage and project management.
The situation was addressed at Bo Phut Police Station on July 24, where Sitthipong, Narongrit, his wife, and his lawyer convened for mediation. The meeting was overseen by Police Colonel Den Duang Thongsrisuk, the superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station. During this session, Narongrit offered a formal apology for his behavior and remarks towards the reporter, promising that such incidents would not recur. Sitthipong accepted the apology, expressing no lingering resentment and demonstrating a willingness to move past the conflict. Both parties then engaged in a handshake, symbolizing their mutual forgiveness.
Narongrit remarked, “I regret my actions and words. I assure you this will not happen again.” In response, Sitthipong stated, “I accept the apology and hold no ill will regarding the incident.”
