Demolition of encroaching beach hotels in Phuket to start next month

Natural resources minister says owners’ petitions rejected

Authorities will start to demolish hotels that encroach on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket next month, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said on Tuesday.

Officials have surveyed buildings that encroached on Nui beach on the island’s southwest coast and already rejected petitions from the owners, Mr Suchart said at Government House.

Demolition notices have been posted on the encroaching properties, with owners given a deadline of July 9 to comply. If they fail to do so, the government will carry out the demolitions at the owners’ expense, the minister said.

According to Mr Suchart, copies of final court rulings on encroaching properties will be sent to the Department of Lands, which will then revoke their title deeds. Demolition will follow.

Officials of the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are preparing to take similar actions against many resorts that encroach on the boundary of Sirinat National Park on the island’s west coast.

The Royal Forest Department will do the same with buildings encroaching on other beaches including Freedom beach.

According to the department, many shops also encroach on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket and they will be removed as well.

Thanandorn Phetdee, a forest official, said on Friday that 39 shops would be dismantled on Nui beach next month.

Phuket forest chief Samphan Meesit said on Monday that 37 buildings would be demolished for encroaching on Bang Tao beach.

Editorial: Beach land grabs must end