Phuket steps up beach management after access and intimidation complaints

Phuket authorities have intensified beach management efforts following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's pledge of zero tolerance for intimidation and restrictions on public beach access by local influential figures.

Deputy Phuket governor Pol Capt Khetrath Chansilp led officials from the Muang district office, Phuket Provincial Police, the Phuket Forestry Centre and other agencies in an inspection of Nui Beach in tambon Karon.

Pol Capt Khetrath said integrated cooperation among local administration, natural resources authorities, police and other agencies would help solve problems more effectively while improving safety standards, transparency and management.

He said Phuket was seriously advancing the “Phuket Model” through integrated cooperation and systematic problem-solving to build confidence and support sustainable tourism management.

The inspection team also visited Freedom Beach to examine land ownership disputes, public access routes and measures to prevent encroachment on state land.

Samphan Meesit, director of the Phuket Forestry Centre, said authorities had ordered improvements to the pathway leading to Freedom Beach so residents and tourists could reach the beach free of charge. He said strict controls had also been imposed on ATV services in the area.

Vehicles will now be allowed only in emergencies, such as transporting injured visitors, because of the steep terrain and previous safety concerns. Any future ATV operations will be subject to regulation and transparent fee structures.

Separately, Muang district officials led by district chief Siwat Rawangkul inspected eight hotels and accommodation outlets on June 23 as part of efforts to strengthen tourism safety standards and build confidence among tourists.

Those inspections focused on licence renewals, legal compliance, documentation, physical conditions and safety measures.

The renewed enforcement follows complaints from residents and businesses about harassment by criminal gangs and influential groups linked to encroachment on public land in the resort province.