Anutin: Beaches in front of hotels are public
Prime Minister Anutin vowed to crack down on illegal foreign-owned businesses and hotels monopolizing public beaches on Ko Phangan, asserting that beachfront areas belong to everyone and cannot be privatized.
SURAT THANI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday vowed to crack down on illegal foreign nominee businesses and public beach encroachment on Ko Phangan, declaring that beaches belong to everyone and cannot be monopolised by hotels or private villas.
Speaking during a visit to Koh Phangan, Anutin said the government was serious about tackling growing problems affecting local residents and tourism operators, particularly the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreigners to operate businesses.
"We welcome foreign tourists who come here to spend money and travel legally, but we cannot accept those who come to take jobs or run businesses illegally. This is our home," he said.
The prime minister also warned against private occupation of public beach areas, saying no hotel or villa owner had the right to claim beachfront land for exclusive use.
"Beaches belong to everyone," Anutin said. "People must not allow anyone to seize public land. We must preserve the environment and keep beaches beautiful and orderly."
He said authorities would introduce zoning measures and work with local agencies, including the Forestry Department and Department of National Parks, to ensure fair use of land without damaging nature.
Anutin said this was his first official visit to Koh Phangan to directly monitor illegal activities affecting local communities. He urged residents to report unlawful activities or behaviour damaging the island without fear.
The government wants Koh Phangan to remain an attractive tourist destination where local people can fairly earn a living and benefit from tourism income, he added.
