Phuket intensifies drive to reclaim public coastal land
Authorities are inspecting four priority areas and reviewing commercial activity at beaches and other coastal locations.
Phuket has begun inspecting four priority areas where public land and beaches have been encroached upon or commercially exploited, as authorities seek to restore public access and regulate coastal activities, the governor said.
Land-management measures at Sirinat National Park have been completed in coordination with the provincial administration and natural-resources agencies. A review identified cases involving occupation without valid ownership documents, as well as revoked title deeds and land returned to forest status.
At Bang Tao Beach, where public areas adjoin privately owned land, officials will verify title deeds and ownership claims. The governor said encroachments would face demolition orders to restore public access.
The Royal Forest Department has confirmed that Nui Beach and Freedom Beach both lie within national reserved forest land designated in 1964. Authorities have moved to reclaim the areas and take legal action against those accused of encroachment and unauthorised construction.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin recently instructed the province and the department to improve access roads damaged by rainy-season erosion, the governor said. Machinery will carry out temporary repairs, followed by plans for concrete or asphalt roads with drainage systems.
Freedom Beach, known for its clear water and coral reefs, currently charges no entrance fee. The ministry is also considering entrance fees for recreational forest areas, with possible exemptions for Thai visitors and separate rates for foreigners.
The governor said the reclamation effort formed part of Phuket's 10-point development strategy, covering gastronomy, education, marinas, medical and wellness services, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism, smart-city development, sports tourism, fisheries, agriculture and tourism.
Phuket covers 543 square kilometres and includes 32 surrounding islands. It has been recognised by Unesco as a Creative City of Gastronomy, and the province aims to build on its multicultural heritage, cuisine, Sino-Portuguese architecture and natural environment while preserving local traditions, including its annual vegetarian festival.
