Parliamentary committee inspects Nui Beach over alleged forest reserve encroachment
A parliamentary committee inspected Nui Beach in Phuket as it investigates alleged encroachment into forest reserves, public land access complaints and enforcement of demolition orders.
Thailand’s House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment has inspected Nui Beach in Karon, Phuket, as it examines alleged encroachment into national forest reserves and other public land.
The committee, led by Chairwoman Kulwalee Nopparatbodhi, carried out the field visit to verify facts, follow legal proceedings and assess ecological impacts in an area that has become the subject of public debate.
During a morning session, the committee met relevant government agencies to review progress in cases involving alleged encroachment on forest reserve, national park and coastal land. Officials were asked to submit additional documents for parliamentary consideration as part of the investigation.
In the afternoon, the committee visited Bang Tao Beach and Nui Beach, both of which are involved in ongoing disputes. At Nui Beach, inspectors observed degraded forest areas but also signs of ecological richness, including hornbills, which were cited as an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem.
The committee also questioned land use in the area after noting that some steep, mountainous sections had been issued Sor Por Kor agricultural land reform documents, raising doubts about whether the land is suitable for farming.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has already ordered 39 illegal structures to be removed by July 9, 2026. If occupants fail to comply, authorities will demolish the structures and charge the costs to those involved.
Kulwalee said the committee would closely monitor records from provincial and district land offices and called for media cooperation in tracking documents to support transparency.
Issues under review include alleged encroachment on forest reserves and public land at Nui Beach, enforcement of demolition orders upheld by court rulings, public access routes to the beach following complaints of blockages and toll collection, the return of public land for lawful community use, and possible use of foreign nominees in land ownership or occupation.
The committee said it would push for solutions aimed at restoring fairness for local communities while protecting Phuket’s natural resources.
