Suchart vowed to dismantle more constructions in Phuket encroaching on forest land after kicking off the first operation at Haad Nui beach. He boasted that the government was challenged and wanted to show seriousness, unafraid of lawsuits or threats, and would take full responsibility alone.
At 10:00 a.m. on 21 Jul 2026 at the Government House, Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke about leading officials to reclaim Haad Nui beach in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, by demolishing structures encroaching on national reserved forest land on 20 Jul. He said this was the first kickoff under the Prime Minister’s and government’s Phuket Model policy. The operation went smoothly with 50 demolitions involving a single occupant, affecting over 18 rai of land. If the land titles were traded, their value would be about 2 billion baht. The demolition had cooperation from various sectors. Suchart went to the site with Worasit Liangprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, along with local administration, Internal Security Operations Command, military, and police officials.
Suchart confirmed that the action was law enforcement against violators, not harming tourism or dismantling Phuket’s tourism system, but organizing it to prevent exploitation and ensure compliance with the law. A lawyer representing the operators asked why demolition proceeded despite a pending administrative court injunction. Suchart explained that the demolition authority was under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act. The area had been revoked by the Supreme Court since 2014 as illegal land titles, legally recognized as forest land.
Suchart added there was also a hotel within Sirinat National Park owning 4-5 land plots, one of which was 13 rai inside the park. On 20 Jul, demolition began under the Forest Department Director-General’s command. The owner may have bought the land unknowingly or knowingly occupying it, which is not considered taking advantage of society. This is part of the Prime Minister’s policy to reorganize Phuket. Suchart said they could not ignore the rampant forest and mountain encroachment. After helicopter surveys, he identified 8-9 more sites and instructed the Phuket governor to investigate, requesting land documents to compare with forest and park boundaries.
"There are several hotel plots within national parks that will be progressively demolished, as well as many forest land plots. On 20 Jul at Haad Nui, we reclaimed 18 rai, and around that, we’ve protected about 300-400 rai to develop as recreational forest for the public," Suchart stated. .
Suchart said some might lose benefits from these operations, but those people do not act within the law. The government’s duty is to enforce the law. Others may fight legally. When asked what if the court grants protection after demolition, he said they could sue him, and he accepts responsibility because he commands and personally supervises the operations. He visits the sites himself so officials, who have families, are supported. He emphasized he takes full responsibility alone and is not afraid of lawsuits or threats from these groups.
When asked if the so-called local gang leaders controlling the land had revealed themselves after last week's announcement, Suchart said the so-called gang leaders at the end of the alley did not dare appear, and those in the middle of the alley had to retreat because he was serious. Haad Nui is a major saga. When visiting Freedom Beach with the Prime Minister last month, a local headman challenged them to go to Haad Nui. This is why they first acted there to show that the government does not tolerate challenges. Any illegal construction must be dismantled and held accountable. The headman, though ill, wore his uniform to embrace Suchart on 20 Jul as Suchart was leaving. Suchart affirmed the government’s seriousness and commitment.
Suchart also revealed that he has not neglected Thap Lan National Park, where some resorts have started demolishing themselves. If the government had to demolish, it would incur costs including legal fees, officials’ time, and if legal battles occur, they intend to pursue asset seizure because these businesses operated on illegally acquired land.