NACC Phuket officers conducted the inspection on Jan 22 under a corruption prevention and monitoring initiative, NACC Phuket reported yesterday (Jan 27).
The inspection followed the NACC Phuket office receiving information alleging unauthorised use of public land for boat construction along the beach in Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, said the report.
The inspection was ordered by NACC Phuket Director Suwat Saovaran and carried out in coordination with representatives from the Mueang Phuket District Office, Chalong Municipality and the Phuket Regional Marine Office.
Officials confirmed that the area in question is adjacent to Khok Tonod Beach, located between Palai and Chalong Pier, and is surrounded by several shipyards. The reported site has been used for boat construction directly on the beach, generating persistent noise, dust and construction debris that have affected nearby residents.
According to officials, Chalong Municipality had previously inspected the site and issued orders for the dismantling of structures erected on the beach. However, construction activity was found to be continuing despite those orders.
During the site visit, officers observed active boat-building work taking place on the beach. Netting had been installed around parts of the construction area, but officials noted that these measures were insufficient to fully prevent noise and dust from spreading into surrounding residential areas.
Mueang Phuket District Office and Chalong Municipality confirmed that they had instructed the boat owner to rectify the nuisance caused by the activity. Under the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (1992), authorities had granted the operator a 30-day deadline to resolve the issue.
That deadline has now expired without compliance, prompting district officials and municipal authorities to prepare legal action against the operator, officials said.
As an alternative approach, the Mueang Phuket District Office also proposed summoning affected residents and the boat owner to a mediation meeting in an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement.
The Phuket Regional Marine Office stated during the meeting that the activity had initially not been classified as an unauthorised shipyard, as it did not yet meet the legal criteria for a shipyard and was considered a temporary docking operation.
However, marine officials said they would conduct further inspections to determine whether the activity involved encroachment onto public land or the discharge of waste into coastal waters during the boat-building process.
Authorities from the Mueang Phuket District Office, Chalong Municipality and the Phuket Regional Marine Office have jointly agreed to continue investigating whether public land has been encroached upon and whether any environmental violations have occurred.
The boat owner told officials that the intention was solely to complete construction of the vessel and remove all materials from the area as quickly as possible, insisting there was no intention to permanently occupy or claim the land.
NACC Phuket stated it will continue to closely monitor the case and follow up on the actions taken by the relevant agencies. The agency also confirmed it is prepared to coordinate with all involved offices to ensure enforcement is carried out strictly in accordance with the law.
Officials emphasised that the ongoing monitoring forms part of broader efforts to prevent corruption, protect public land and ensure transparency in local administration for the benefit of Phuket residents.
NACC Phuket added that it will remain engaged until the matter is resolved and compliance with relevant regulations has been confirmed.