Minister orders Nui Beach access restored within one week
Mr Suchart inspected Nui Beach in Karon yesterday morning (May 14) following complaints from local residents and community leaders over access restrictions and the collection of tolls from visitors.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart inspected Nui Beach in Karon on May 14 and ordered agencies to restore access within one week after complaints over blocked entry and toll collection in Phuket. His visit came a day after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Phuket on May 13 and vowed to act against influential groups accused of controlling tourism areas illegally and encroaching on public land.
Section 25 action ordered at Nui Beach
Suchart said officials must proceed under Section 25 to legally reclaim the land and remove structures and obstacles preventing access to the beach. He said the case would be sent to Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn for signature so revocation and reclamation measures could move ahead.
Accompanying Suchart were Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pol Maj Gen Nanthachart Supamongkol, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Atthapol Charoenchanasa, the governor and other provincial and security officials.
He also directed agencies to restore the natural environment and work toward having the area declared a recreational forest for public benefit.
Encroachment cases and warning to officials
Suchart said Nui Beach has been under forest and public land encroachment investigation since 2018, with the Royal Forest Department already pursuing legal action. He added that the Royal Forest Department, the Agricultural Land Reform Office and Phuket officials were jointly inspecting other areas across the province suspected of illegal occupation or land misuse.
If inquiries show land titles were issued over former state forest land, those titles will be revoked and the land returned to the Royal Forest Department, he said.
Suchart warned that officials unwilling to carry out their duties should seek transfers and said those not ready to act should not remain in the area. He also said villagers would not have to pay to enter Nui Beach, stating that no one has the right to charge an entrance fee.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/minister-orders-nui-beach-access-restored-100239.php
