Phuket Land Encroachment Cases: Thai Parliamentary Committee Demands Strict Enforcement and Evictions

Ms. Kunwalee Nopamornbodee, Member of Parliament for Ratchaburi and Chairperson of the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, announced that the committee has approved a report on its site inspection of land and environmental issues in Phuket. The committee has urged relevant agencies to rigorously pursue legal cases, revoke illicit land titles, and enforce the demolition of illegally constructed buildings encroaching on state land. This resolution aligns with the "Phuket Model" initiative spearheaded by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, which aims to reclaim over 25 rai (approximately 4 hectares) of forest land within Sirinat National Park. This area is reportedly occupied by hotels and luxury villas. Ms. Kunwalee stated that during the site visit and subsequent meeting with agencies including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, and the Land Department, at least nine significant land encroachment cases within Sirinat National Park were identified. Some cases have reached final court judgments, with encroachers already vacating the premises. Others are still in the process of title revocation, demolition orders, or legal verification of land deeds. The committee has proposed that all agencies expedite their duties without allowing delays that permit businesses to continue operating on the disputed land. Furthermore, the committee suggested that the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning in Phuket should assist in verifying construction boundaries and setbacks. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Regional Office 5, was also urged to initiate land boundary surveys with the Land Department directly, rather than awaiting private sector applications, to close potential loopholes hindering enforcement. Regarding Nai Harn Beach within the Khao Nak National Forest Reserve, the committee believes investigations should be clearly divided into two parts: prosecuting encroachers and illegal structures, and verifying the rights of residents who can prove their habitation and use of the land since before the Land Code and National Forest Reserve declarations in 1950. The committee resolved that the Royal Forest Department, the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environmental Office, the Land Department, and the Agricultural Land Reform Office (S.P.K.) must expedite the submission of reports detailing facts, boundaries, and land status for all seven plots to the committee. This approach aims to ensure decisive legal action against encroachers while avoiding injustice to residents who may have legitimate claims. "Court rulings must be implemented. Encroachers, whether individuals, companies, large hotels, or resorts, must be subject to the same legal standards. At the same time, residents who have lived there longer and have evidence must be treated fairly. We must reclaim state land without creating new injustices," Ms. Kunwalee emphasized. Mr. Suchart had previously announced his commitment to proceed with the demolition of structures in Sirinat National Park, Nai Harn Beach, and Freedom Beach, following the rejection of some appeals, and affirmed that action would be taken against encroachers without exception. Source: INN News