Suchart says all illegally encroached land in Sirinat National Park has been seized
Environment Minister Suchart said all illegally encroached land found within Sirinat National Park in Phuket has been seized and is now under legal proceedings.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart visited Sirinat National Park in Sakhu on Sunday, June 7, to inspect park management and follow up on legal action over land encroachment cases, saying all areas found to have been illegally occupied within the park had now been seized and were undergoing legal proceedings.
Speaking at Nai Yang Beach, Suchart said some land buyers may have been misled into purchasing plots supported by unlawfully issued title documents. He said those who encroach on forests, beaches and coastlines would ultimately lose the land because the areas are national assets that must be reclaimed for public use.
The minister was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Royal Forest Department.
Suchart also addressed concerns over beachfront businesses at Bang Tao Beach, where authorities have recently stepped up scrutiny of operators occupying public land and protected areas. He said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had raised concern over the issue and instructed the Royal Forest Department and the DNP to hold an urgent meeting on June 8 to seek a solution balancing environmental protection with local livelihoods.
The visit also covered efforts to ease Phuket's traffic congestion through a marine transport network. Suchart said the Prime Minister had assigned the ministry, particularly the DNP, to survey suitable locations within Sirinat National Park for floating piers to support a proposed boat taxi service.
He said the project would allow travel by sea between major tourism areas, including direct connections between Patong and the airport area, reducing reliance on Phuket's congested roads. Suchart added that Sirinat National Park had strong potential as an international tourism destination and that the proposed boat taxi service could help disperse visitors more efficiently while expanding access to the park's natural attractions.
Suchart was scheduled to return to Sirinat National Park on June 8 to meet park officials, review ongoing forest encroachment cases and inspect coastal areas affected by erosion. The visit was also to include discussions on long-term measures to prevent coastal degradation and restore marine ecosystems within the park.
