Suthep revealed the scheduled demolition of a luxury resort encroaching Sirinat National Park and Nui Beach in Phuket next month, following dismissal of the operators’ appeals, and insisted no influential figures requested intervention.
23 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Suthep Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke at the Government House about the progress in demolishing resorts encroaching on national park land in Phuket. He said those who encroached had the right to appeal, but the ministry has now dismissed all appeals. Recently, officials posted notices on structures at Nui Beach, with the deadline set for July. After that, the ministry will start the demolition process, which will also include areas such as Freedom Beach, and other beaches.
Mr. Suthep added that this operation falls under the Forestry Department but will also involve the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, for example, Sirinat National Park in Phuket, where several hotels have encroached. Currently, they are working with the Ministry of Interior to coordinate revocation of land titles. The court has ruled that some land deeds were improperly issued or overlapped with protected areas. He is compiling Supreme Court rulings and deed numbers to submit to the Department of Lands for cancellation. Only after cancellation can the ministry issue demolition notices; otherwise, it would be illegal destruction of property.
When asked if any investors or influential figures tried to lobby to prevent demolition or prosecution, Mr. Suthep replied, "There are no influential figures. No one is bigger than the people." .