Thailand Demolishes Phuket Resort Over Forest Encroachment
Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry is demolishing luxury resort structures at Phuket's Sirinat National Park after courts ruled they illegally occupied over 25 rai of protected forest land, part of a strict enforcement initiative against
Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chumklin is advancing the "Phuket Model" by strictly enforcing laws against all protected area encroachers without exception, ordering demolition operations on luxury hotels and villas following final court verdicts to reclaim over 25 rai of forest land for the state.
On July 10, 2026, Suchat assigned Deputy Police General Surpol Boonma, the ministry secretary, along with senior officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to coordinate with Sirinat National Park and Phuket's enforcement office to execute court orders. The team also worked with Interior Ministry Deputy Secretary General Peer Suvannavee to monitor enforcement operations against forest encroachment in two cases at Sirinat National Park in Thalang District, Phuket.
This marks the second case under the government's "Phuket Model" initiative led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Deputy Police General Surpol stated the operation aligns with the premier's policy prioritizing natural resource recovery, land use regulation, and combating protected area invasions to establish new law enforcement standards where all are equal before the law and national resources belong to the people, not powerful interests.
National Parks Department Director Arthapol Charoenchunsa reported the operation covers two Sirinat cases with final court rulings. The first involves a 13-rai hotel property in Sakoo Subdistrict where the Supreme Court ordered revocation of land certificates and demolition of 39 luxury hotel and villa structures. Phuket's land office has already revoked documents and the park has begun enforcement demolition.
The second case, covering about 12 rai in Chaoley Subdistrict within the Khao Rup forest reserve and Sirinat park, involved forged documents used to obtain title deeds. The land office has revoked the title. Although the occupant filed an administrative complaint, the eviction ruling stands. Officials posted notices giving 15 days to comply; failure will trigger immediate demolition under national park law.
Suchat emphasized all agencies must vigorously implement the "Phuket Model" with fair, transparent, and decisive law enforcement to reclaim forests, mangroves, and public beaches for the state, reiterating the government under the prime minister will not tolerate natural resource encroachment.
