Royal Forestry Department expands Phuket encroachment crackdown
More than 160 officials are inspecting eight locations in Phuket under the government’s Phuket Model policy to reclaim allegedly occupied forest land.
The Royal Forestry Department has expanded its crackdown on alleged forest encroachment in Phuket, sending more than 160 officials to inspect eight locations across the island from 3 to 5 August.
The operation is part of the government’s “Phuket Model” policy to reclaim illegally occupied land. Royal Forestry Department deputy director-general Phatpong Samittipat said it followed information from the Internal Security Operations Command about suspected encroachment.
Inspections are taking place in Thep Krasattri and Choeng Thale in Thalang district, as well as Sri Sunthorn, Rawai, Kamala and Patong.
The operation also covers Paradise Patong restaurant. Mr Phatpong said the restaurant was reportedly linked to an influential figure, without providing further details in the report.
The latest action follows the removal of 500 structures from Nui Beach in July under a court order, ending a decade-long dispute over alleged encroachment at the popular tourist site. Mr Phatpong said the Nui Beach operation was nearly complete, although some areas remained under negotiation with the Land Reform Office.
The Royal Forestry Department, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will continue monitoring Nui Beach to prevent repeat offences, he said.
Officials also plan to clean up Nui Beach and Laem Krathing Cape before designating them as a recreational forest park. Mr Phatpong said the operations at Nui Beach and Freedom Beach would serve as models for further action, including at Paradise Patong and Wat Phra Yai in Karon.
