Minister Suchart leads the 'Phuket Model' campaign, demolishing illegal structures to reclaim 'Hat Nui' beach, shocked to find foreigners holding another 400 land plots suspected of being illegal.
Today (20 July 2026) at 11:00 a.m., Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, accompanied by Mr. Worasit Liangprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, Police Major General Nantachart Supamongkol, Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and relevant officials, traveled to observe the demolition of illegal seaside structures at "Hat Nui," Village 2, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province, in line with government policy. The 'Phuket Model' initiated by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to reclaim natural resources from encroachers and rigorously enforce the law.
SEE TRUE news team from Thairath TV also observed the operation. This mission involved joint forces of about 400 officers divided into demolition and security teams, fearing that local influential figures might interfere or threaten officials.
Upon arrival, Minister Suchart received a briefing on the legal case and site conditions before officials began using backhoes to demolish seaside resort-style residences and gradually dismantled various structures across Hat Nui beach. The demolition will continue until fully completed.
Minister Suchart stated that legal procedures have concluded, so the demolition is necessary to reclaim the beach and forest areas, which are public property, back for the people. This issue has persisted for decades without serious enforcement. Today, he sets an example by making it the 'Phuket Model' under the government’s policy, affirming that the demolition is genuine with no staged performances, finally resolving all encroachments at Hat Nui. Afterwards, the Forestry Department will restore the area for communal public use without toll fees.
“Hat Nui marks the starting point of the Phuket Model to reclaim land and natural resources. We will gradually inspect other beaches with similar encroachments and proceed with no exceptions.”
Asked about foreign investors, such as Chinese 'grey capital,' encroaching on natural areas alongside Thai capitalists, and government prevention measures, Minister Suchart said the law clearly specifies foreign shareholding: at least 51% must be Thai-owned, with foreigners holding no more than 49%. There may be nominees holding land, so careful study is required, as both good and bad foreigners operate businesses in Thailand.
Deputy Minister Worasit added that efforts are underway to address illegal landholdings and nominee ownership by foreigners. Investigations are ongoing in several provinces, including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan.
“In Phuket alone, we found over 400 land plots held by foreigners potentially violating the law. We are examining if nominees are involved. Anyone breaking the law will face prosecution without exception.”
Regarding today’s operation, Mr. Nikorn Sirorojananont, Director-General of the Forestry Department, confirmed that the enforcement targets 11 illegal structures seized in 2026, after appeal periods expired, allowing demolition under the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964 and its amendments.
The national reserved forest area at Hat Nui has been encroached upon for about 15 rai (6 acres). For 39 remaining seized structures from 2020 and 2024, administrative court proceedings are ongoing, and the Forestry Department will expedite legal processes accordingly.