Demolition Order Issued for Nui Beach Structures in Phuket by June 5 Following Encroachment on Protected Forest
Phuket authorities have ordered the removal of all structures from protected forest land at Nui Beach by June 5, with demolition at the owner's expense if the deadline is missed following discovery of illegal tourism development on approxim
The Director-General of the Forestry Department has signed an order under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507, requiring occupants and related parties to remove all structures from the Naga Range National Reserved Forest area at Nui Beach, Soi Laem Nui Out, Moo 2, Karon Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket by June 5. This follows an inspection by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, local administration, and the Forestry Department on May 14, which discovered tourism-related development and numerous additional structures. The inspection found approximately 15-18 rai of encroachment with 11 structures including shops, residences, bathrooms, tourist service points, pavilions, a naga statue, a worship plaza, concrete roads, and a water dam. Officials confirmed the actions violate Section 14 of the National Reserved Forest Act, with complaints already filed at Karon Police Station. Failure to comply within the deadline will result in the Forestry Department proceeding with demolition at the owner's expense, plus an additional 30% administrative fee.
