Rawai beach project cleared of land encroachment
Phuket officials said a multi-agency inspection found no land encroachment at a Rawai beachfront project, though monitoring will continue as revised plans are submitted.
A multi-agency inspection in Rawai has found no evidence that a beachfront construction project encroached on public waterways or extended beyond its legally owned land, according to the Phuket Marine Office.
The findings were announced this week after officials inspected Chanote land title deeds No. 12592 and 12616 in Moo 2, Soi Laem Ka Yai, Rawai, on June 15. The inspection involved the Phuket Marine Office, Rawai Municipality, the Phuket Provincial Land Office, local administrative authorities, Chalong Police, representatives of Baron World Trade Co Ltd and members of the public.
Construction at the site had been temporarily suspended last month after allegations that the project had extended into public waterways and affected public beach access. The Phuket Marine Office issued the stop-work order on May 25 while authorities investigated possible encroachment and verified the site’s land boundaries.
According to the Marine Office, surveyors confirmed that the construction remained within the boundaries set out in the land title deeds and found no work beyond the company’s legally owned land.
Officials said, however, that coastal erosion has significantly altered the shoreline in the area, leaving uneven stretches of beach and eroded sections of coastline that have concerned local residents.
In response, Baron World Trade Co Ltd said it had agreed to adjust the alignment of the construction to an area not affected by high tides and would submit amended plans in line with local authority procedures. The company said the changes were intended to reassure the public and address concerns raised during the inspection.
Authorities also confirmed that public access routes, including roads and pathways leading to religious sites in the community, would remain unaffected by the project.
The Phuket Marine Office said relevant agencies would continue monitoring the development to ensure legal compliance while protecting the public interest and preserving the Rawai coastline.
The project drew public attention after residents and members of the Rawai sea gypsy community raised concerns that construction of a breakwater and seawall could affect beach access, traditional fishing activities and cultural sites. Residents had also questioned whether the development could interfere with access routes, boat launching areas and community activities, and called for scrutiny of land ownership documents and environmental approvals.
The latest inspection concluded that no land encroachment had occurred, though oversight will continue as revised construction plans are submitted and reviewed.
