Thai PM visits Bang Tao Beach, orders action on public land encroachment

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Bang Tao Beach in Phuket at 11.11am on May 10, 2026, to press officials on resolving encroachment on public land in Cherng Talay, Thalang. During the inspection, he said the government would not allow thugs to intimidate people and told residents to report threats to district officials, local administrative leaders, village heads or police.

Illegal structures and sandbox plan

Anutin said the area had no land title documents and that all structures there had been built without permission, making them illegal. He said operators who acknowledge the problem would be considered for legal ways to regularize use of the area so people can continue earning an income.

He said two priorities were driving the intervention: eliminating criminal influence and stopping the abuse of weaker people by stronger ones. He also said there must be no more harassment, damage to vehicles or mistreatment of villagers.

The prime minister assigned Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasit to coordinate the response with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and local administrative bodies. He also instructed the director of the Phuket Forestry Center to act within the law while keeping lawful income opportunities as a central goal.

Vorasit said officials would gather information from government agencies and the private sector to establish facts and find a lawful solution. Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat said the Phuket governor would integrate all sectors to carry out the policy and turn Bang Tao into a sandbox model for other areas.

Source: https://www.komchadluek.net/news/politics/616952