Speaking in remarks reported by MCOT, Mr Suchart said the government was determined to return public beaches and state land to local communities and visitors, while cracking down on influential figures accused of illegally occupying public land and extorting money from beach users.
“After this demolition, things will never be the same again,” he said. “No one will be able to seize it again. We will return it to the people and to fishing communities.”
The minister condemned reports of armed intimidation and illegal entrance fees being charged at public beaches.
“It is not right for people to come fishing and then have influential people or mafia members shooting at villagers or boats," he said. "And it is not right that public land is being used to extort B300 from villagers or tourists. That’s like street thugs. We will reclaim it all.”
Mr Suchart stressed that officials would show no favouritism in enforcing the law.
"If anyone breaks the law, we will show no mercy because the Prime Minister has given me strict instructions not to show favouritism to anyone," he said. "The law must be upheld. Even my own department and ministry will not show leniency."
The minister said he would chair a meeting of the Phuket Model Committee to review the status of every beach inspection carried out in Phuket and establish a timeline for enforcement action.
He noted that several long-running cases had already been resolved by the courts, citing Nui Beach as an example where final judgments were issued in 2018 and 2019.
"We have to post notices. They have 45 days to appeal. They have the right to appeal, and we will allow them to do so. But once all the legal steps are completed, we must proceed according to the law," he said.
To prevent future encroachment, Mr Suchart announced that permanent multi-agency enforcement teams would be stationed at reclaimed sites.
He said forestry officers, national park officials and specialised environmental protection units would be combined into dedicated task forces to ensure public land could not be illegally occupied again.
"From now on, we will deploy three special task forces from three different departments to that area. We must protect the public’s beaches and state land," he said.
Mr Suchart also revealed that officials were compiling land title documents linked to encroachment within Sirinat National Park for submission to the Department of Lands to begin revoking improperly issued land documents, including NorSor 3 Kor certificates and title deeds found to have been issued unlawfully.
He said several hotels built on protected land were facing demolition following final court rulings.
"Soon you will see me demolishing many more well-known hotels," he said. "Honestly, I don’t want to, but once the court issues a final order, demolition is mandatory."
"I regret it, but what can I do? It has to be according to the law and the court order."
Mr Suchart acknowledged that some officials involved in enforcement had faced significant pressure and concerns for their safety.
"Anyone who can’t handle it, or is concerned about their safety and the safety of their families, can transfer. We’ll replace them with new people," he said.
The minister indicated that the public would begin seeing the results of the government’s campaign from mid-July.
"Around mid-July, the media and the public nationwide will see the process unfold step by step, plot by plot, as the legal processes are nearing their completion," he said. "For now, let them enjoy their work. Just wait a little longer."
Mr Suchart’s comments follow his visit to Phuket earlier this month, when he ordered authorities to accelerate legal action in more than 28 encroachment cases within Sirinat National Park while ensuring investigations were thorough enough to withstand legal scrutiny.
During that visit, officials confirmed that more than 10 encroachment cases had already reached final court judgments and that work was underway with the Department of Lands to revoke illegally issued land title documents and return the land to state ownership.
Authorities also reported that demolition work at Freedom Beach and Nui Beach is expected to begin in July as part of a broader campaign targeting illegal occupation of protected land across Phuket.