The decision was made during a multi-agency meeting chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong at Phuket Provincial Hall on Tuesday (June 2).
The meeting brought together representatives from the Phuket Provincial Land Office, Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (MNRE Phuket), Rawai Municipality, the Phuket Regional Marine Office, Chalong Police and other relevant agencies. Representatives of the Thai Mai community and Phuket MP for Constituency 2 Chalermpong Saengdee also attended.
The dispute centres on a large-scale real estate and hotel development in Moo 2, Rawai, where residents have raised concerns over construction activity along the shoreline, the blocking of traditional access routes and possible encroachment on public waterways.
Officials noted that preliminary discussions had already been held with the developer following complaints that construction works may have extended into waterways or public areas.
The Phuket Provincial Land Office explained that the land title for the site was originally issued in 1968 and that a new detailed survey is required because some original boundary markers are no longer clearly identifiable.
Rawai Municipality told the meeting that after discovering excavation work along the beachfront, it filed a complaint with Chalong Police on May 11. The municipality subsequently issued an order on May 25 suspending construction while authorities investigate land boundaries and related legal issues.
Vice Governor Adul said the relevant agencies had already exercised their authority by ordering construction to stop while legal and factual investigations continue.
“The agencies involved have already taken action within their powers. We are now waiting for the results of investigations to determine whether the project has been conducted in accordance with the law,” he said.
MP Chalermpong called for strict legal action if any violations are found, including possible demolition of illegal structures.
He also stressed the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and community interests.
The Phuket NREO informed the meeting that the reinforced concrete structure under construction may fall within a category of developments requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Municipal officials added that although the building permit describes construction within the project boundaries, the structure currently resembles a coastal protection barrier, raising additional environmental concerns.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Vice Governor Kong-ek instructed relevant agencies to expedite a formal land survey to establish the exact legal boundaries of the property and determine whether any construction has extended beyond private land.
He also tasked MNRE Phuket with conducting a detailed review of environmental impacts and legal compliance, while police were requested to accelerate ongoing investigations and any related legal proceedings.
A land survey has been scheduled for June 18.
The complaints were submitted by representatives of the sea gypsy community, who argue that the affected area has long been used by local residents as a public thoroughfare, fishing access point and site of cultural significance.
Community representatives also questioned whether the shoreline structures constitute a seawall or breakwater requiring environmental approval and whether all necessary permits and assessments were properly obtained.
The latest controversy follows a suspension order issued by the Phuket Regional Marine Office on May 25 concerning construction works by Baron World Trade Co Ltd at Laem Ka Yai in Rawai.
Marine officials previously said construction that may involve encroachment on waterways must remain suspended until land ownership boundaries are verified and the legality of the project is determined.
Vice Governor Adul reiterated that authorities would base their final decision on evidence and legal principles.
“If any violations of the law are found, whether relating to land use, construction or environmental matters, legal action will be taken transparently, fairly and in accordance with the law,” he said.