PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities launched a large-scale operation at Bang Tao Beach to reclaim public shoreline following reports of illegal private use.
Survey launched at popular shoreline
Land officials conducted a formal survey of beach areas in Moo 2, Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district, to determine whether specific sections lay outside lawfully titled plots and therefore counted as state land. Officers from the Provincial Police Region 8, district administration staff, a representative of the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) and the Moo 2 village head joined the on-site inspection, while police secured the area.
Complaints over control by influential group
According to authorities, repeated complaints from residents triggered the action. A group of influential persons was alleged to have taken possession of parts of the beach classified as public state land and effectively assumed control. The group was said to have passed usage rights to third parties and rented out areas for commercial activities, restricting public access and use.
Alleged parties, drugs and entertainment venues
Complainants further claimed that the disputed plots had been used for private parties, gatherings involving drug consumption and the operation of entertainment venues. If confirmed, these activities could constitute several criminal offences under national law. Officials stressed that the case concerned not only legal violations but also public safety and the loss of a shared beach area at one of the island’s most popular shores.
Reports of intimidation during earlier checks
Investigators reported that earlier inspection attempts had been obstructed. Members of the group allegedly surrounded officials and photographed them in an intimidating manner to disrupt checks. The case was escalated to the Royal Thai Police, and the complaint was accepted by Provincial Police Region 8, with Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong, commander of the Region 8 investigation division, coordinating further steps with the relevant administrative agencies.
Buildings suspected on state land
Authorities subsequently ordered a systematic survey of all beach areas outside titled land along Bang Tao Beach. Preliminary findings indicated that several buildings had been constructed on land believed to be state property. Parts of the beach section were reportedly used for private purposes, and in some areas free access for residents and tourists was said to have been limited; the ongoing survey was intended to clarify the exact boundaries.
Officials issue clear legal warning
In a statement, officials underlined that public land must remain available for shared use.
“Illegal appropriation, occupation or support for the seizure of public land violates the law and can lead to arrest and prosecution.”
said unnamed authorities.
The public was strongly warned not to be misled by individuals falsely claiming land rights or spreading incorrect information. Potential lessees and operators were urged to verify ownership and usage rights with the competent offices before signing contracts or making investments.
Residents asked to help protect public land
Authorities called on citizens to help safeguard public land. Suspected land grabs or additional information could be reported to the Thalang district office, the Cherng Talay SAO or Provincial Police Region 8. The operation formed part of a broader campaign to protect public spaces, particularly along economically valuable coastlines where conflicts over access and use have been on the rise, with further steps depending on the survey results and subsequent legal review.