Phuket to begin demolishing beach and forest encroachment hotels next month
Phuket authorities say demolitions of hotels and other structures encroaching on beaches and reserved forest land will begin next month if owners fail to comply with removal orders.
Authorities will begin demolishing hotels in Phuket next month if owners fail to remove buildings found to encroach on beaches and reserved forest land, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said on Tuesday.
Suchart said officials had surveyed buildings encroaching on Nui beach on Phuket’s southwest coast and had already rejected petitions from the owners. Demolition notices have been posted on the properties, with owners given until July 9 to comply.
If the owners do not act by the deadline, the government will carry out the demolitions at the owners’ expense, he said.
According to Suchart, copies of final court rulings on encroaching properties will be sent to the Department of Lands, which will then revoke the title deeds before demolition proceeds.
Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are also preparing similar action against resorts that encroach on the boundary of Sirinat National Park on Phuket’s west coast.
The Royal Forest Department will take action against buildings encroaching on other beaches, including Freedom beach, according to the report.
Authorities said shops found to be encroaching on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket would also be removed. Forest official Thanandorn Phetdee said on Friday that 39 shops would be dismantled on Nui beach next month.
Phuket forest chief Samphan Meesit said on Monday that 37 buildings would be demolished for encroaching on Bang Tao beach.
