Minister Orders Crackdown on Backhoe Damage to Koh Samui Reefs
A backhoe was used to excavate and destroy coral reefs and rock formations on Wang Tai Island in Koh Samui to create vessel channels, prompting Thailand's natural resources minister to order a crackdown and full prosecution of those respons
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on September 9 that the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes conservation and protection of natural resources alongside public welfare. He ordered all agencies to enforce laws strictly against those who encroach on or destroy the nation's resources.
The case involves a backhoe that was used to excavate and destroy rock formations on the southern side of Wang Tai Island, Tambon Talinngam, Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, to create water channels for large vessels. Additional damage included stone and earth extraction and forest clearing in an area designated for Haad Khao Nom–Lower Southern Gulf Islands National Park. Chomklin ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to immediately investigate and take legal action.
"I am clear: if violations are found, prosecute decisively and without exception, and urgently track down all those responsible to face full legal punishment. Natural resources belong to all Thais and we cannot allow anyone to destroy or illegally exploit them," Chomklin stated.
Dr. Pinsakk Surasawadi, director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said his office mobilized staff from the Fourth Marine and Coastal Resources Office and coordinated with multiple agencies including Haad Khao Nom–Lower Southern Gulf Islands National Park and forest protection units to inspect the site.
Investigators found excavation and environmental alteration with fragmented coral debris, including brain coral and staghorn coral, damaging approximately 3 rai 3 ngan 60 square wah. They also found a blue KOBELCO SK200-8 backhoe parked about 55 meters from the incident site with visible tread marks connecting it to the damage site, but no owner came forward. Officials seized the backhoe as evidence, secured the area, and gathered evidence to identify the perpetrators and accomplices. Preliminary findings suggest the actions may violate the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2019. A complaint was filed with Koh Samui Police for legal proceedings.
The department pledged to increase surveillance of at-risk areas, coordinate with relevant agencies, and accelerate monitoring for further damage to prevent encroachment and destruction of marine and coastal resources.
