Suchart orders clearance of Freedom Beach, Phuket, reclaiming reserved forest, cracking down on encroachment and illegal collection of fees from tourists.

*Suchart orders clearance of Freedom Beach, Phuket, reclaiming reserved forest, cracking down on encroachment and illegal collection of fees from tourists. — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.*

Published: 2026-03-20 08:50 UTC Event date: 2026-03-18

Suchart Orders Clearance of Freedom Beach, Phuket, Reclaiming Reserved Forest and Cracking Down on Encroachment

Phuket Forest Encroachment Crackdown at Freedom Beach

On March 18, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin ordered immediate action to clear Freedom Beach in Phuket, targeting illegal encroachment on reserved forest land and the unlawful collection of fees from tourists. The operation, led by the Royal Forest Department, aimed to reclaim areas of the Khao Nakkerd National Reserved Forest in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket. Over 100 officers from the Royal Forest Department, Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, Border Patrol Police, and Karon Police Station participated in the enforcement effort.

Illegal Structures and Unauthorised Fees Uncovered

During the inspection, authorities discovered multiple violations, including unauthorised occupation and use of reserved forest land, as well as the illegal establishment of shops and the collection of service fees from tourists at the beach entrance. Along the Freedom Road (Karon–Patong), officials identified three illegally constructed hut-like accommodations. One individual was detained at the scene, and evidence seized included a firearm, ammunition, a chainsaw, and construction equipment. The suspect was transferred to Karon Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

The activities uncovered at Freedom Beach constitute offences under the Forest Act B.E. 2484 (1941) and the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507 (1964). Nikorn Sirirojananon, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, confirmed that legal action will be pursued rigorously and that authorities will expand their investigation to surrounding areas for further encroachment. The operation reflects government and ministry policy to protect Thailand’s forest resources through integrated cooperation with all relevant agencies.

Commitment to Forest Protection and Restoration in Phuket

Nikorn Sirirojananon emphasized that the current enforcement at Freedom Beach is part of an ongoing strategy to monitor, prevent, and suppress forest encroachment across Phuket and beyond. Restoration of damaged areas will be undertaken alongside enforcement to ensure the long-term health of local ecosystems and biodiversity. Authorities will continue to coordinate with stakeholders to safeguard reserved forests and prevent future illegal activities. Further updates are expected as investigations progress and restoration efforts begin.

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiYkFVX3lxTFBkSVRlTWhrSXhYRXJFSVZ5MmtHYUhMb1FMSXp2bzF1V2dmV2dGcXJyanpuQ3lTd3VMVEcyaVdmM2thdW5pc1hOM0hreWh2RkhiTWZHTVhpeXJHZGRCeUwyZnR3?oc=5