Speaking as the demolision was taking place, Lt Sompop Kamkana of the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Area Command said, “We are here to work with and look after officials from the Saku District Administration Organisation as they demolish illegal structures including Octopus and No. 4 Seafood Restaurant & Bar.
“The owners of these businesses had previously refused to remove from the beach. However, today they have finally agreed to cooperate with Saku OrBorTor Saku officials.
“Saku OrBorTor have been ordered to demolish all the buildings of Naiyang Beach, and if they do not do so by tomorrow (August 6) we will do it for them.
“However, everything must be removed from Naiyang beach in two days.
The owner of one of the venues demolished – the Ocotpus restaurant, which displayed a signed stating "Since 1986" – told a presenter from The Phuket Newsʼ Phuket Extra TV News that he had an officially stamped document which proved he was the owner so officials had no right to demolish the building just yet.
He said, the owners of the businesses had to appeal the order “And we did... we have done that within 30 days,"the owners said.
"Normally, when they do this they have to stop because we have already taken the matter to court...
"They cannot do this, but they don't listen to us. They only say they want to destroy [the buildings]."
Meanwhile, Lt Sompop also said that his team would next move on to Lea Pang Beach which is the responsibilty of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor.
“There are five restaurants on Lea Pang beach which have already been reported to the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Area Commander, and a letter advising them to move will be issued in the next few days,” he said.