Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin led the operation alongside Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit, senior forestry officials, Phuket authorities and special enforcement units, including the ‘Phayak Phrai’, ‘Phaya Suea’ and ‘White Shark’ task forces.
The operation targeted 11 structures on about 15 rai of encroached land within the Nakkerd Hills National Forest Reserve. Forestry officials said the structures specifically targetted today were seized earlier this year and were eligible for demolition after the deadline for appeals expired.
Royal Forest Department Director-General Nikorn Sirirojananont said another 39 structures seized during enforcement operations in 2020 and 2024 remain before the Administrative Court and cannot yet be demolished.
The enforcement action follows the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s rejection of an appeal against demolition orders issued under the National Forest Reserve Act, clearing the way for authorities to begin removing the structures.
Speaking at the site, Mr Suchart said the operation formed part of the government’s ‘Phuket Model’ initiative, launched under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s announced policy of reclaiming public land and natural resources from illegal occupation.
“Natural resources belong to all Thai people,” Mr Suchart said. “No influential person or investor is above the law.”
He added that if land rights documents were found to have been issued unlawfully, authorities would pursue their revocation.
The minister said the Nui Beach dispute had persisted for more than two decades after a land document covering more than 18 rai was later revoked by the Supreme Court in 2014, returning the land to national forest reserve status.
He also announced plans to investigate financial gains derived from the illegal occupation of the land. Mr Suchart said the ministry would coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to determine whether money laundering laws could be applied.
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit said the operation also reflected the government’s wider crackdown on illegal land ownership, nominee arrangements and organised encroachment.
He revealed that investigators are examining more than 400 land plots in Phuket suspected of being illegally held by foreigners through Thai nominees, with similar investigations under way in Krabi, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan.
Following the demolitions, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said it plans to restore the area as a recreational forest and ecotourism destination, including nature trails, public facilities and unrestricted access to Nui Beach.