Phuket orders removal of 22 structures from Freedom Beach forest reserve
Phuket authorities have ordered the removal of 22 unauthorized structures from the Freedom Beach area inside the Nakkerd Mountain National Forest Reserve, with a compliance deadline of August 5, 2026.
The Royal Forest Department has ordered occupants to remove 22 unauthorized buildings and facilities from the Freedom Beach area in Phuket by August 5, 2026.
According to the department, the enforcement action covers about 9 rai, or roughly 3.5 acres, inside the Nakkerd Mountain National Forest Reserve in Karon Subdistrict. Officials posted notices at the site ordering occupants to vacate the area and restore the land to the state under Section 25 of the Forest Act.
The operation was led by Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul with support from police, forestry officers and other agencies, acting under the direction of Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom.
The department said occupants may appeal to the director-general of the Royal Forest Department by July 21, 2026, but any appeal will not halt enforcement. If the structures are not removed by the deadline, authorities will proceed with demolition and charge occupants for the removal costs.
The order followed an investigation that found encroachment and construction within the protected reserve. The department said evidence submitted by occupants was not sufficient to reverse the findings, leading officials to move ahead with reclaiming the land for the state.
