Thailand forestry chief orders removal of Nui Beach structures by June 5

Thailand’s forestry chief has ordered the removal of structures at Nui Beach in Phuket by June 5 after officials found new construction and continued use inside a national reserved forest area.

According to the order, officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, administrative agencies and the Royal Forest Department inspected the Nui Beach area on May 14 in the Khao Nak Koet National Reserved Forest in Moo 2, Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, following complaints from local residents about restricted access and unauthorized toll collection.

The inspection found additional construction in an area that had already been seized. Officials said the land continued to be used and showed signs of maintenance and landscaping to make the area attractive for tourists.

Officials said the encroached area measured 15 rai, 49 square wah, or about 15 rai, and that 11 new structures and installations were found. They included a concrete shop building, bamboo house, massage area, bathing area, animal pens, concrete pavilions, a Naga statue, a pond, garage, water dam and a concrete road. Authorities jointly concluded that the activity violated Section 14 of the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964 and filed a complaint with Karon police on May 14 under Police Report No. 2.

At a meeting in Phuket on May 23, Phuket Forest Center director Samphan Meesit said no suspects were found at Nui Beach and that they were understood to be in the process of surrendering and seeking bail to fight the case.

In the order, the director-general of the Royal Forest Department, acting as the official responsible for controlling and protecting national reserved forests under Section 25 of the law, instructed the owners, occupiers and others involved in the offense, as well as their dependents, to leave the area and remove the structures from the Khao Nak Koet National Reserved Forest at Nui Beach, Soi Laem Mum Nok, by June 5.

Samphan said the department had ordered the demolition of the Nui Beach structures under Section 25 within one week. He said authorities planned after the demolition to declare Nui Beach a recreational forest area, adding that preparatory work had already been done and that an entrance fee would be charged to support sustainable development of the site.

The order said that if those concerned fail to comply within the deadline, the forestry chief or an assigned representative will carry out the demolition or destruction. Those responsible would be required to cover the costs, plus an additional 35% surcharge.

The order also said non-compliance could carry a penalty of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both, as well as a further daily fine of 5,000 baht until compliance.

Those affected have the right to submit facts or appeal the order in writing to the forestry chief within 15 days of receiving it.