Environment Minister Defends Cabinet Record on Beach Cleanup
Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin defended his ministry's record against criticism of underperformance, citing beach cleanup enforcement, land dispute resolutions, and housing initiatives affecting over one million families by 2027.
Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin deflected criticism about potentially being a forgotten cabinet member, asserting his Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has substantial accomplishments and remains focused on resolving outstanding issues at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and implementing the Phuket model. When asked about the Prime Minister's recent statement that underperforming ministers would be forgotten, Suchart laughed and responded that all ministers serve at the PM's discretion, with trust being the determining factor. However, he emphasized that his department works diligently every day, addressing issues that have been pending for over a decade.
Suchart outlined current initiatives including enforcement of Section 25 regulations targeting 22 construction violations at Freedom Beach, following the earlier resolution of Noi Beach, and returning beach areas to public use. He noted his ministry has been executing government land policies through the National Land Policy Committee, aiming to provide housing for approximately one million families by the end of 2027, resolving issues that had been pending for a decade. The Khao Sam Roi Yot land dispute, which left residents without justice for nearly 50 years, has been resolved, and the Phuket model implementation is now underway.
On climate change, Suchart highlighted legal reforms enforcing emissions standards and compensation requirements for industrial polluters. The Pollution Control Department investigates all public complaints transparently. When pressed to confirm his ministry's full performance and achievements, Suchart stated that the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry handles extensive work, as media can observe from his daily workload. He travels throughout Thailand weekly, maintaining active operations.
Suchart emphasized that all matters ultimately rest with the Prime Minister, who appointed all ministers and determines whether they have fulfilled government policy. He concluded by joking with Pirun Saiyasit, director-general of the Climate Change and Environment Department, saying that if the director-general had no achievements, he would forget them too, prompting laughter and a respectful wai in response.
