The chairman of the NACC committee inspected land encroachment on beaches and reserved forests, aiming to gather evidence to propose to the government a comprehensive removal without exceptions.
On 26 June 2026, Mr. Asapol Santraiphop, chairman of the Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption and Misconduct (NACC Committee) of the House of Representatives, led a delegation to inspect the facts at Bang Tao Beach, Phuket. They then joined a meeting with related government agencies at Phuket Provincial Hall to monitor progress on addressing unlawful land possession, public land encroachment, issues with influential groups, and the use of Thai nationals as "nominees" holding assets on behalf of foreign investors. Mr. Romdon Hayiawa, Deputy Governor of Phuket, and heads of government departments also provided information.
According to explanations from the Royal Forest Department of Phuket and the Department of Lands, public land encroachment is currently expanding widely at three key points: Bang Tao Beach, Nui Beach, and Freedom Beach. These violations fall under the Forest Act B.E. 2484 (1941). Officials have been promptly collecting evidence to pursue legal action. Reports show that over the past three years, monitoring of the Nakkerd Mountain Range national reserved forest (covering Freedom and Nui Beaches) indicated that in 2024 aerial photos showed the situation under control, with 24 cases (24 plots) prosecuted, preventing further encroachment expansion during that period.
In 2025, surveys found repeated encroachment in several reserved forest areas, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and strict enforcement. In 2026, the Interior Minister visited the area, instructing all agencies to integrate efforts and expedite decisive legal actions. After demolition of illegal structures, authorities plan to restore forest conditions and implement long-term prevention measures to support tourism development.
Mr. Asapol said he has been following this issue closely due to numerous public complaints. At Bang Tao Beach, 16 shops have been ordered closed for unauthorized construction and encroachment on public land, following the Prime Minister’s directives. However, the committee also noted that some shops opposite the walkway remain open. According to Choeng Thale Subdistrict Administrative Organization, some of these areas have land deeds registered to "corporate entities," but owners are currently unreachable, and some locations lack clear land deed numbers. The committee has received all relevant documents for in-depth examination under its authority.
"If investigations confirm illegal acts and public land encroachment, legal action will be taken, including demolition and criminal prosecution in all cases without exceptions," Mr. Asapol said. He added that the field visit’s data and recommendations from all sectors will be analyzed to develop policy proposals for the government. These aim to amend laws, regulations, and increase penalties for offenders, nominee groups, and money laundering networks to prevent recurring problems and sustainably protect Phuket’s natural resources for public benefit.