PHUKET: A steep slope on a hill behind a popular beach on Phuket is probably being developed illegally, officials agreed yesterday.

The investigation began with a letter to the office of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, alleging that senior local officials were involved in corruption related to the property.

Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak led a delegation of authorities up a slope that was difficult to negotiate except by four-wheel vehicles.

the Mayor of Cherng Talay, Ma-Ann Somran, surprised onlookers by managing to ride up on a motorcycle.

The real estate, which has views over the coast and hangs high above Phuket's popular Laem Singh beach, is in a five-star part of the island.

A resort would seem to be what the construction work is aimed towards. Graders were spotted on the property on Sunday but no workers were seen yesterday.

The letter to the PM's office alleged collusion by local officials in allowing development in a protected area, and of a vital drainage canal being covered in.

The property, covering about three rai, sits on the border between Cherng Talay and Kamala. Survey blocks were noted.

Vice Governor Somkiet said the investigation would continue. General alarm has been expressed this year over the number of illegal Phuket projects that have won approval from corrupt officials.

The Interior Ministry has announced a broad review to establish a ''Phuket model'' for a more transparent system of land ownership that can be rolled out across Thailand.