Journalist threatened by 'mafia-like property developers' for exposing illegal housing in Thailand

This is the dramatic moment a reporter was allegedly threatened by property developers for exposing illegal housing on an island in Thailand.

The journalist, from local broadcaster Channel 7, had accompanied Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Division 4 officials to inspect the construction of the Samui Green Cottages on Koh Samui island on July 17.

The project was suspected of encroaching on protected forest lands, and the villas being built were reportedly found to have violated legal slope and height restrictions.

Additionally, there were 53 luxury villas at estate - despite the original construction model having only 40.

Each villa was priced at around 10 million THB (214,000 GBP), with foreign expats the target market.

However, during the investigation, the reporter was allegedly harassed by the property developer and a security team.

The journo was barred access into the estate, as a man, who claimed to be the owner, allegedly tried to intimidate him.

In a video, the man can be heard saying: 'You cause me a lot of problems. Are you from Channel 7? I will sue you. I already prepared evidence of what you said about me in the headlines. Stop causing trouble for the locals on Koh Samui. You will see what I can do when I meet you again.'

Colonel Sanit Meesang, adviser to the director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, stepped in during the tense encounter and brought the reporter to the Bophut Police Station to file a report.

Police Colonel Dusit Kesornkaew, head of the team assigned to probe Samui Green Cottages, said: 'The actions of the men showed no regard for the country's laws.

'We will ensure that the investigation will be conducted fairly while allowing the property developers to present their documents or other evidence to refute the allegations.

'We are not being selective because there are other areas that we are also inspecting.'

Police Lieutenant General Sermphan Sirikong, commander of the Surat Thani Provincial Police, said he has ordered a investigation into the matter.