OrBorTor Mai Khao President Sarawut Sisakookam and his staff teamed up with the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Forestry Department and park officials, armed with crowbars and hammers and with an excavator to do the heavy lifting.
The owners of the 19 shops and restaurants had already been warned by the OrBorTor to remove their illegal structures. Some had already removed their furniture and equipment. Others had not, and none had taken down their buildings.
Mr Sarawut said that officials will be able to clear the area in about a week, after which the land will be returned to public use. The OrBorTor will find ways to help those whose businesses have been turned into rubble.