Suchart plans strong measures to prosecute encroachment at Freedom and Nui Beaches to eradicate influence in Phuket, stressing that no one is above the law and reporting progress in enforcement efforts.
Minister Suchart dispatched Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart to Phuket to inspect and provide policy guidance to natural resources officials, emphasizing conservation and prevention of all forms of offenses. He expressed concern over the endangered dugongs and leatherback turtles, indicating plans for tough action against those encroaching on Phuket’s Nui and Freedom Beaches, with efforts extending to the masterminds.
On 19 Jul 2024 GMT+7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart Supamongkol, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, visited Phuket to deliver policies and directives from Minister Suchart Chomklin to officials of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Research Center. He stressed the importance of caring for marine natural resources and the environment, including conservation of aquatic species such as leatherback turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and others. A key focus was on measures to prevent encroachment on natural seas, beaches, and other natural resources under their responsibility.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart received briefings on the status of marine animals and the marine environment, and toured the sea turtle nursery and marine animal hospital at the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Research Center, where staff demonstrated treatments for injured aquatic animals.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart said he conveyed the minister’s policy on conservation and enforcement against offenses, emphasizing its implementation by relevant officials. He noted that all parties have been working diligently, citing the example of leatherback turtle conservation. Thailand is one of five countries successfully rearing leatherback turtles in captivity, a process ongoing for over two years with success in producing turtle feed.
Additionally, seagrass is being cultivated as food for dugongs, an endangered species, with ongoing coordination to expand seagrass planting networks to support dugong habitats.
“The dugong issue is important. The minister has consistently emphasized that anyone hunting or harming dugongs will face the highest legal penalties. Some people have held superstitious beliefs, cutting dugong tusks to make amulets, which is a mistaken belief,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart said.
Regarding enforcement against beach and marine resource encroachment in Phuket, Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart said Minister Suchart has declared zero tolerance. The approach is straightforward, with no fear of any influence. No one will be allowed to encroach on natural resources that belong to the public. The law is trusted, and offenders must be held accountable without exception.
“Minister Suchart said these offenders are like street thugs in the middle of the alley, but behind them are bigger thugs at the end of the alley. We will handle all these thugs throughout the alley. No one is above the law. Our enforcement has made significant progress regarding encroachment at Freedom and Nui Beaches, and results will be revealed soon,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantachart said.
