Legal action launched against two Mai Khao waterfront homes after inspection
Phuket officials have launched legal action against the owners of two Mai Khao homes after finding unauthorised additions during a new inspection of five disputed waterfront properties.
Legal action has been initiated against the owners of two homes in Mai Khao after officials found the properties had been renovated and expanded beyond information previously submitted in long-running applications to retain houses built in an area alleged to encroach on waterways along the Andaman coast.
The latest action followed a site inspection on Thursday, July 2, led by Deputy Phuket Governor Romdon Hayiawae. The inspection came after a June 30 meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, where officials agreed to review new evidence submitted by the owners of five homes in Moo 2, Baan Ko-En, Mai Khao.
The review concerns applications for permission to keep homes in the disputed waterfront area. During the inspection, officials compared the current condition of each property with documents earlier filed by the applicants. Phuket Regional Marine Office Director Adul Ralukmoon and representatives from relevant government agencies took part.
Officials said two of the five houses had been altered beyond what had originally been declared. The Phuket Regional Marine Office confirmed that legal proceedings had already begun against the owners over the unauthorised additions.
Authorities said the review of all five applications would continue, with each case to be considered individually under relevant laws and regulations before any final decision is made on whether residents may continue living in the homes.
Phuket Province said additional documents submitted by the applicants would be examined to determine whether each property qualifies for permission under the legal framework. Officials said the process would be carried out in line with the law while maintaining transparency, fairness and protection of both the public interest and residents' rights.
At the June 30 meeting, authorities reviewed the new documentation alongside the Administrative Procedure Act and regulations governing structures built on waterways. The review also took into account NCPO Order No. 32/2017 and Ministry of Transport regulations that may allow some structures built before the order to remain if applicants can show they meet the required legal criteria.
The case dates back to 2017 and involves the last five disputed properties in the Hua Tha-Ton Do community at Baan Ko-En. According to the Phuket Regional Marine Office, more than 50 other houses in the community have already received legal permits.
Officials said one of the remaining five properties had previously had its permit revoked after investigators found that documents from another property were used to support the application. The other four were originally rejected because supporting evidence was filed after the legal deadline.
Authorities have repeatedly said that accepting the new applications for review does not guarantee approval. During an earlier inspection in June, officials reported finding unauthorised extensions of about 40 square metres on some properties and ordered the illegal additions to be demolished.
The latest inspection again found construction beyond what had previously been declared at two houses, prompting further legal action while the permit review continues. Provincial officials said final decisions on each application would be based on verified evidence and compliance with the law.
