The action followed complaints that public land in the Phromthep Animal Grazing Area, protected by law, in Moo 6, Rawai, had been illegally cleared and occupied.
A joint inspection was carried out on Wednesday (July 1). The inspection team included Mueang Phuket District officials, members of the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), village officials and representatives from Rawai Municipality led by Mayor Thames Kraithat.
Officials found that two plots of land, identified as Plot No. Phk.0097 and designated as a livestock grazing reserve for public use, had been illegally cleared and occupied. Buildings had been constructed across the site, covering a total area of about seven rai.
Rawai Municipality had previously issued orders suspending construction and prohibiting the use of the buildings, before issuing a “demolition order” ordering the removal of all structures, on June 29.
Later on July 1, at about 5:30pm, Rawai Municipality filed a complaint with Chalong Police seeking legal action against two suspects.
The suspects face three main charges: failing to comply with an order issued by local authorities, constructing buildings without permission in violation of the Building Control Act, and illegally encroaching on both public land and protected forest land in violation of the relevant land and forestry laws.
Provincial officials said the operation forms part of new Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum’s policy to intensify action against the illegal occupation of public land and forest areas across Phuket.
Authorities confirmed that investigations and enforcement operations targeting land encroachment will continue throughout the province.