Officials Seize Illegal Resort on Koh Samui Forest
Officials seized the Overlap Stone 2 resort on Koh Samui after finding it illegally occupied 4.55 acres of protected forest land, with the Environment Ministry vowing strict prosecution of all encroachers on state resources.
Environment Minister Suchat Chumklin announced on July 24 that he has ordered the Forestry Department to intensify enforcement against illegal encroachment of public areas and state resources, in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy prioritizing land recovery and law enforcement. The ministry is identifying publicly accessible beaches that have been illegally occupied by business operators and returning them for public use.
Chumklin received a report from Forestry Department Director-General Nikorn Sivirojanant about major business groups illegally occupying forest land on Koh Samui to operate tourism facilities. He immediately ordered field operations to investigate and make arrests.
On July 22, 2025, Udom Sakdit Palakavong Na Ayutthaya of the 11th Forest Resource Management Office (Surat Thani), along with Vivat Noo-in, head of forest protection and wildfire control, led a coordinated team including forest protection officers from Station 16 (Koh Samui), special forest operations units, and local administration officials from Koh Samui District.
The team inspected the Overlap Stone 2 resort located in Ban Tin Tha, Mueang District, Koh Samui. Satellite coordinates confirmed that the facility's structures encroached into protected forest area under the 1928 Forestry Act, spanning 4 rai 3 ngan 35 square wah (approximately 4.55 acres). Officers seized 33 structures and structures in total. The forest protection station was assigned to compile evidence and records for investigation by Bo Put Police Station, with criminal proceedings to follow against those responsible.
Chumklin stated that he has directed the Forestry Department to coordinate with all relevant agencies to expedite case resolution and pursue legal action against violators swiftly. "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will not tolerate anyone unlawfully profiting from state resources, whether they are influential figures, investors, or business groups. Any encroachment on state land will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he said.
