Phuket Orders Nui Beach Demolitions to Reclaim Encroached State Land

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin on Friday ordered the demolition of structures encroaching on Nui Beach in Phuket, launching a state land reclamation effort after complaints of illegal occupation by influential groups. The Phuket beach action followed urgent instructions from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to investigate alleged public land encroachment and improve access to beaches.

Suchart said authorities would enforce the law against buildings erected illegally on protected land. The move centers on Nui Beach, where officials began steps to remove encroachments and return the area to state control.

Court rulings and legal enforcement drive the operation

The dispute extends beyond Nui Beach to Freedom Beach, where investors were accused of occupying protected forest land and collecting illegal entrance fees from visitors.

Court rulings issued between 2018 and 2024 had already confirmed violations, but some groups remained on the land despite legal action, officials said.

Suchart said he had instructed relevant agencies to strictly apply the law across Phuket, including action under Section 25 to remove unlawful structures from protected areas.

The ministry also plans to restore the reclaimed sites as recreational forests open to the public.

Threat claims raised after beach encroachment inquiries

People’s Party MP Chalermpong Saengdee earlier raised concerns over alleged threats from local influential figures after investigating land encroachment and other illegal activity in beach areas.

He said armed intimidation of forestry officials and threatening social media posts had created fear among residents and state officers. He also cited online remarks directed at him that implied low bail costs for attacks on MPs.

Chalermpong said he had recently filed objections to bail requests for suspects accused of forest encroachment and intimidation.

He also urged the prime minister to address encroachment around Freedom and Nui beaches, delays to public transport projects and the Khao Khad grazing reserve.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3255145/phuket-to-reclaim-beach-area