Bang Tao Beach eviction notices posted after Supreme Court ruling

Officials posted notices ordering occupants of disputed land at Bang Tao Beach to vacate the area on 27 August, following a Supreme Court ruling, authorities said.

The operation took place at Moo 2 in Cherng Talay under instructions from Thalang District Chief Wilailak Ruangphol. A deputy district chief led officials from the Thalang District Office, the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Cherng Talay Police Station, Forest Protection Unit No. 1 (Thalang) and Region 8 Police.

The notices were addressed to defendants, workers, contractors and their associates. They also warned against further encroachment on the land. The Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation coordinated with district officials, police and forestry officers during the operation.

The notices did not specify how many were posted or set a date for the occupiers to leave, according to the report.

The action follows a wider investigation into alleged encroachment along Bang Tao Beach. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 branch identified 34 structures in the disputed area in June: 16 commercial establishments and 18 residential properties. The businesses included restaurants, bars, beach clubs, massage businesses and tour operators.

The investigation covers more than six rai and includes competing claims involving five land title deeds: Nos. 22642, 22643, 34220, 34223 and 34224. Officials said they must establish the boundaries of public, forest and privately titled land, including areas that may overlap with neighbouring titled plots. Waterways, drainage channels and tidal inundation are also being examined.

ISOC officials previously said the fact-finding committee was tasked with establishing the facts, rather than determining guilt or innocence. Its findings were expected to be submitted to the Phuket governor in early September. The investigation followed a 10 May visit to Bang Tao Beach by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who called for action over alleged influential figures, corruption and occupation of public coastal land.