The inspections were carried out yesterday (June 24) as part of a coordinated operation involving provincial officials, police, forestry authorities and local administrators under what is now called the ‘Phuket Model’ for managing public land and tourist areas.
Phuket Vice Governor Khetarat Chansilp led the inspections at Freedom Beach in Karon and Nui Beach in Karon, accompanied by Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Forestry Centre Director Sampan Meesit and representatives from the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) and forestry agencies.
During the inspection, Mr Sampan confirmed that forestry officials had been instructed to improve and re-landscape the entire access route to Freedom Beach to facilitate free access for both residents and tourists.
“No fees will be charged for access to the beach,” he said.
Officials also announced tighter controls on ATV operations serving the beach. ATV use will be restricted to emergency situations, such as transporting injured or unconscious tourists, due to the steep terrain and a history of accidents in the area.
Provincial authorities said future regulations governing ATV services, including any fees, would be subject to formal and transparent rules to ensure safety and prevent complaints from visitors.
Officials stressed that management of the access route would be closely monitored to prevent any new forms of profiteering and to ensure Freedom Beach remains equally accessible to all members of the public.
Later in the afternoon, the delegation continued inspections at Kata, Karon and Nui beaches, focusing on alleged illegal activities in protected areas and following up on enforcement actions already underway.
At Nui Beach, officials reviewed notices issued under Section 25 ordering the removal of 39 structures and obstructions located at Soi Laem Mum Nok, Moo 2, Karon. Occupants have been ordered to complete demolition by July 9.
Authorities are also investigating allegations that foreign investors may be using Thai nominees to operate businesses illegally, in violation of laws designed to protect occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
At the same time, officials are continuing efforts to reclaim forest areas allegedly occupied without permission and to suppress other unlawful activities in key tourist zones.
Speaking during the inspections, Lt Col Khetarat said close cooperation between administrative agencies, police and natural resource authorities was essential to ensuring effective management of Phuket’s tourist areas.
“Integrated collaboration between all sectors will help monitor problems, establish the facts and develop targeted solutions,” he said.
“Phuket Province is committed to seriously driving the Phuket Model through close field monitoring and systematic problem-solving in order to build confidence among the public and tourists and create sustainable management of the province’s important tourist destinations.”
District officials described the operation as a firm enforcement effort aimed at protecting public forests, safeguarding national interests and ensuring transparency in Phuket’s tourism economy, despite the lawbreaking they are investigating already occurring under their administration of the area.