Minister orders public access restored at Phuket's Nui Beach
Phuket – On May 14th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, led an inspection at Nui Beach in Karon, Phuket, following complaints from locals about restricted access and…
Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin inspected Nui Beach in Karon, Phuket, at 10 a.m. on May 14, 2026, after complaints over blocked access and unauthorized toll collection. He said no person or group can prevent entry to a public beach or charge fees there, and ordered barriers removed within one week.
The visit brought together Assistant Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Nantachart Supamongkol, National Parks Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa, Royal Forest Department Deputy Director-General Phatthapong Sumittiphat and Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn. Suchart also directed agencies to restore the natural environment and pursue designation of the site as a recreational forest for public use.
Long-running land case remains under review
The inspection came one day after Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul went to Freedom Beach in Karon to follow up on a prominent encroachment case involving public land and protected forest.
Nui Beach has faced legal proceedings since 2018, with forest land and public areas allegedly occupied for private gain. Officials said the cases are nearing conclusion, though problems still stand in the way of fully restoring the area.
Agencies told to widen checks on disputed plots
Suchart said agencies that fail to act decisively could face reassignment, underscoring the order to clear obstructions and prevent influential interests from exploiting state land.
He said the Royal Forest Department, the Agricultural Land Reform Office and Phuket authorities will jointly examine other disputed plots, especially land suspected of misuse or unlawful occupation. If those areas are confirmed as original state forest, he said the land rights will be revoked and the plots returned to state management.
Suchart said the operation follows the prime minister’s nationwide directive to tackle natural resource encroachment and reclaim public land and natural heritage without exception.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/14/thai-minister-orders-public-access-restored-at-nui-beach-in-phuket/
