Thailand Reclaims Beach Land Worth $60 Million From Encroachers
Thailand's government demolished 50 illegal structures at Noi Beach in Phuket, reclaiming beachfront land worth approximately $60 million that had been fraudulently occupied for over two decades.
Minister Suchat Chomklin and a task force of over 400 officials launched an operation to reclaim Noi Beach, demolishing 50 structures that encroached on Nakagerd Range National Forest Reserve. The beach, long disputed for over 20 years, had been granted fraudulent land titles covering 18 rai before Thailand's Supreme Court invalidated them in 2014, returning the area to protected forest status.
Suchat stated the government is determined to recover state land for all Thais, rejecting claims that influential figures operate above the law. He emphasized that the land, valued at roughly 100 million baht per rai, generated substantial rental income without legitimate investment, constituting abuse of power. The ministry is also coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to investigate illicit proceeds from illegal land use.
During a helicopter survey, Suchat ordered four agencies—including the National Parks Department, Forestry Department, and Provincial Administration—to identify and recover additional illegal structures on hillsides throughout the province. Following the demolition, Noi Beach will be designated as a recreation forest and learning center for public benefit. The Phuket initiative aims to serve as a model for nationwide land reclamation efforts.
