Watcharapol, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, visited Patong and ordered the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) to promptly verify land rights over 60 rai. He plans to take action against encroachers who have posted no-entry signs, while assuring protection for legitimate heirs. He also announced the deployment of LiDAR technology to strengthen land surveying nationwide.
On 23 October 2026, Mr. Watcharapol Khawkhum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, visited the land reform area in Patong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province. This area is less than one kilometer from Paradise Beach and covers approximately 60 rai of agricultural land under land reform title deeds. Complaints have been made by individuals claiming to be the rightful heirs of the landowners. It was found that about 16 encroachers have occupied the land, constructing buildings and altering the land conditions. The Agricultural Land Reform Office is currently pursuing legal action against these encroachers.
Mr. Watcharapol stated that the complainants claim to be legitimate heirs entitled to the land rights and intend to use their parents’ land for farming. However, they cannot access the area because encroachers have built structures there. Therefore, he has instructed the Agricultural Land Reform Office to expedite the legal verification of these heirs’ rights. If their claims are valid, their rights will be promptly recognized. Meanwhile, the encroachers have petitioned the Damrongtham Center to request that ALRO allocate rights to them, resulting in conflicting claims. Verifying the heirs’ rights will resolve this dispute, and the encroachers must then accept the outcome.
Mr. Watcharapol added that the encroachers are Thai nationals who have recently occupied the land. During ALRO’s legal proceedings, coordination with police is necessary to enforce the law strictly. Since the case is under prosecution, encroachers should not put up large private no-entry signs. Such actions must be decisively addressed as they protect the interests of the rightful heirs.
“The heirs seeking rights intend to cultivate the land; they are not using it for residential or commercial purposes. Therefore, encroachers who have established residential areas must be removed if the heirs’ rights are confirmed,” Mr. Watcharapol said.
When asked about future plans or measures to prevent similar cases, Mr. Watcharapol said he has ordered the hiring of additional surveyors and legal experts to ensure proper and swift rights recognition across regions. This includes educating the public and farmers nationwide that legitimate heirs of ALRO landholders can continue to hold their rights. He also highlighted the use of satellite technology and LiDAR to aid these efforts.
Reporters noted that the area in question lies outside the designated community zone, which exempts it from restaurant business operations. However, large two-story structures have been observed there, indicating significant construction activity.
