Agriculture Minister Inspects Phuket ALRO Land at Paradise Beach

Agriculture Minister Watsaraphol inspects Paradise Beach to check land use in Phuket's ALRO area, discussing land-use issues with stakeholders. The ALRO stresses usage must follow the law, protecting benefits for farmers, the state, and business operators. The minister aims to push Cabinet measures for businesses to primarily support local farmers.

On October 23, 2026, in Phuket, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Watsaraphol Khaokham met with tourism business operators, accommodation and restaurant owners, government agencies, and Ministry of Agriculture affiliates to review land use in the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) area to ensure compliance with legal objectives and maximum benefit for farmers and the local economy.

A representative of the Phuket ALRO reported that the office has managed forest land since 1994 following the land reform declaration, covering over 30,000 rai total. Of this, 10,571 rai have been allocated across 10 subdistricts in three districts to 756 farmers. Over 20,000 rai remain unallocated, partly because some occupants settled before the 1994 Land Code enactment, requiring legal and policy adjustments to match current land use.

Of Phuket's ALRO land, about 9,500 rai are agricultural (coconut, oil palm, rubber), around 300 rai are community and commercial areas, and five zones have been declared for commercial businesses including residences. In 2024, community areas were declared for over 300 farmers, while about 25 commercial shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and beverage outlets pay rent based on Treasury Department rates.

A representative of the Phuket Provincial Land Reform Committee stated the province has about 32,000 rai of ALRO land, with roughly 10,000 rai allocated under SorKor 1 (land possession notification) and over 20,000 rai unallocated due to various constraints and Phuket's special characteristics, including pre-Code settlements. Currently, 5,000-6,000 rai are allocated for use.

Minister Watsaraphol ordered the ALRO and Phuket Provincial Land Reform Office to compile detailed, current data on all provincial ALRO land use, categorizing total area by agricultural occupation, accommodation, restaurant, and other businesses, and verifying land-use permit status for each plot.

The minister directed: 1. All ALRO land use must strictly follow laws, regulations, and permit procedures without exception. 2. Non-farmer occupants such as hotel, accommodation, restaurant, and tourism operators should prioritize purchasing agricultural produce, food ingredients, livestock, fisheries, and decorative products from local farmers and communities to create market opportunities and distribute income to the grassroots economy. Though operators can conveniently source from wholesalers or large retailers, the state must create direct mechanisms linking operators with farmers so local farmers benefit.