Published: July 20, 2026
By TAD Editorial Team
Thai authorities have begun one of the largest operations in recent years to reclaim public beachfront land in Phuket, dismantling dozens of illegally built structures at Hat Nui Beach as part of a wider campaign to restore public access to the island’s coastline.
The operation, led by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, marks the start of a broader effort targeting illegal occupation of public beaches and protected forest areas across Thailand’s most famous tourist island.
Hundreds of Officials Deployed
More than 400 government officials gathered at Hat Nui Beach in Phuket’s Karon subdistrict on Monday to begin demolishing approximately 50 illegally constructed buildings that authorities said had encroached on public land.
Officials from multiple agencies participated in the operation, with security forces remaining on-site to prevent future illegal occupation after the demolition is completed.
According to the government, Hat Nui covers approximately 18 rai of land with an estimated market value of nearly 2 billion baht.
Government: Beaches Belong to the Public
Environment Minister Suchart said reclaiming public beaches has become a national priority after years of illegal encroachment by influential individuals and businesses.
He stressed that Thailand’s beaches, forests and marine conservation areas are public assets managed by government agencies and cannot legally become private property.
The minister also claimed that local fishermen and members of the public had previously faced intimidation when attempting to access parts of Hat Nui Beach that had been occupied illegally.
“We cannot tolerate this,” Suchart said, adding that public access to Thailand’s coastline must be protected.
Wider Campaign Across Phuket
Authorities say the Hat Nui operation is only the beginning.
The government plans to expand similar enforcement actions to around 10 additional beaches across Phuket while investigating approximately 300 public locations suspected of illegal encroachment.
Officials acknowledged that many cases are likely to involve lengthy legal proceedings, meaning the campaign could take considerable time to complete.
Despite those challenges, the government says it remains committed to reclaiming public land throughout the island.
Plans for Ecotourism Development
Once demolition work is completed, authorities plan to incorporate Hat Nui Beach into a larger 540-rai recreational forest project aimed at improving environmental conservation while expanding public recreational space.
Officials believe the project will help preserve Phuket’s natural coastline while supporting sustainable tourism development.
The initiative also aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen environmental protection and improve public access to Thailand’s most valuable natural attractions.
Why It Matters
Phuket is Thailand’s largest tourism destination, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year.
Ensuring beaches remain publicly accessible is considered essential for preserving the island’s tourism appeal, protecting natural resources and reinforcing public confidence in environmental law enforcement.
The success of the Hat Nui operation could influence similar land-recovery efforts elsewhere in Thailand.
TAD Perspective
The Hat Nui demolition reflects Thailand’s increasingly assertive approach toward protecting public land and coastal resources. While legal disputes are expected, restoring public access to beaches and strengthening environmental management could enhance Phuket’s long-term tourism sustainability. Maintaining a balance between conservation, local communities and responsible tourism development will remain critical as the campaign expands across the island.
Sources
- Bangkok Post
- Thailand Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
