PM Anuthin Orders Natural Resources Minister Suchati to Lead Team in Reclaiming Noi Beach in Phuket, Sets 7-Day Deadline for Illegal Structure Demolition and Forest Restoration

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul has ordered Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin to lead a team to Noi Beach in Phuket to reclaim state land and demolish illegal structures within seven days, while advancing forest restoration efforts.

On May 14, 2025, Minister Suchati revealed that following PM Anuthin's directive to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to investigate encroachment on Khao Naka Range National Forest Reserve at Noi Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket, he has ordered relevant agencies to proceed strictly to reclaim forest areas and regulate land use according to law.

Minister Suchati stated that demolition notices for structures within the target area at Noi Beach must be completed within one week under Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507, and demolition of encroaching structures must proceed urgently without waiting for criminal cases to reach final judgment.

Additionally, he has ordered thorough inspection of all areas and structures. If any additional construction is found beyond the original court-adjudicated case, immediate seizure or additional prosecution will be conducted to prevent further law violations.

For areas with state forest enterprise concessions showing no utilization or improper use, these will be seized and returned to Forest Department management for proper state land administration and public benefit.

Minister Suchati has also tasked the Forest Department with considering declaring the Noi Beach area as a "recreation forest zone" to allow residents and local communities to participate in forest stewardship and appropriate utilization while ensuring sustainable natural resource conservation.

Regarding Freedom Beach recreation forest, Forest Department Director General Nikorn Siroroanannont and Deputy Director General Pattapong Smittipatthana have been assigned to work with Phuket Province in community engagement, coordinated through Karon Subdistrict headman Winai Chidchiao, to build public understanding of government operations.

In areas where the Forest Department has already conducted arrests, Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507 will be expedited per the PM's directive to strictly protect forest resources and ensure public justice.