Authorities Seize Backhoe Used to Illegally Excavate Koh Wang Nok
Authorities seized a backhoe on Koh Wang Nok after discovering it was being illegally used to excavate rock formations and clear forest to create a channel for boats. The operation in Surat Thani Province caused severe environmental damage
On September 9, 2026, officials from Koh Samui District administration led by District Officer Amorn Chumchuay, together with Koh Samui Police Station Commander Police Major Panya Nirattimanont and representatives from the Regional Port Authority Koh Samui Branch, Khao Sam Roi Yot-Southern Islands National Park, Marine and Coastal Resources Office 4, and Forest Resource Management Division 11, conducted an inspection and seized equipment in connection with illegal heavy machinery operations on the beach and sea area near Koh Wang Nok beach in Muang District, Surat Thani Province.
The incident began on September 5, 2026, when Surasak Anuson, director of Protected Area Management Area 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat), revealed a report from Anetrta Uikkim, director of Khao Sam Roi Yot-Southern Islands National Park. National park staff and volunteer divers conducting an underwater garbage collection mission discovered a backhoe being used to excavate and destroy the southern rock formations of the island, extracting stone to create embankments and clearing approximately 17 rai of forest area to create a channel for large boats to enter and exit.
Staff immediately halted the work and shared images on social media. The area has a history of encroachment and previous legal action, yet illegal machinery operations continued to reshape the site.
On September 7, 2026, officials inspected the site and found an unauthorized dredged channel approximately 30 meters wide, 50 meters long, and 3 meters deep. One backhoe parked nearby was seized as evidence to trace the perpetrators and equipment owner for prosecution.
On September 8, 2026, the team conducted an official boundary survey to assess environmental damage, which severely impacts coral reefs, juvenile aquatic life, and natural landscape. Forensic evidence was collected to file a complaint with Koh Samui Police Station.
Initial charges are being prepared under the Navigation in Thai Waters Act 1913, Section 120, as well as the Forestry Act 1961 and the National Parks Act 2019, since the area is forested and in the process of being designated a national park. Enhanced patrols by sea and land will be implemented to prevent future violations.
