BANGKOK/PHUKET, Thailand – Thailand’s Environment Minister has announced a decisive crackdown on illegal beach occupations and extortion rackets in Phuket by mid-July.
After years of perceived inaction, Minister Suchart Chomklin declared on June 16, 2026, that special units would be deployed to reclaim the province’s beaches. He issued a stern warning, stating, “We will take back everything.”
Government’s Patience Runs Thin
In front of the Government House in Bangkok, Suchart asserted that Phuket’s beaches must be returned to the public. A clear timeline has been established. Following the expiration of 45-day appeal periods, the phased eviction of illegal structures and occupations will commence in mid-July.
Until then, the occupied areas will be closely monitored. The minister, however, noted, “For now, we’ll let them be and wait a little longer.” Once the deadlines have passed, legal action will be pursued with full force.
New Taskforce to Permanently Secure Beaches
To prevent a recurrence of occupations after the evictions, the ministry is implementing a new strategy. A joint special taskforce will be stationed directly on-site. This unit comprises personnel from the Forestry Department, the National Parks Department, and elite troops known as “Chalam-Khao” (White Shark) and “Phayak-Phrai” (Tiger).
The objective is clear: to ensure permanent access to the beaches for citizens and fishermen. The minister emphasized that the current situation, where armed local groups extort money for beach access, must end immediately.
“300 Baht and Gunfire – These are Petty Criminals”
The minister painted a stark picture of the current reality on some of Phuket’s beaches. “It is unacceptable for citizens to pay 300 Baht for beach entry,” he stated. He described even more severe incidents where so-called mafia groups have fired upon fishing boats and local residents.
Suchart strongly condemned this behavior, calling it “the conduct of petty criminals, something that cannot be tolerated. Today, we must reclaim it for the citizens.” He insisted that these harassments must cease permanently.
Prime Minister Orders Tough Action Against All Involved
Suchart clarified that the operation would show no leniency towards anyone. The Prime Minister had issued a strict order for uncompromising action, stating that “whether it involves officials, agencies, or even his own ministry, he spares no one.”
When questioned about potential involvement of government officials in illegal activities, the minister stated he was not directly accusing anyone. However, he warned that any official found to have made a mistake would face consequences.
Chanote Titles Under Official Scrutiny
Particular attention is being paid to improperly issued land titles. As an example, the minister cited Sirinat National Park in Phuket. Within this protected area, several hotels have received legally binding demolition orders from the courts, yet they remain standing.
Suchart announced that the relevant ownership documents would be forwarded to the Land Department to revoke these unlawful titles. He indicated that many other well-known hotels would face demolition, adhering to court orders. “Even if it is regrettable, we must follow the law,”
Pressure on Local Officials Acknowledged
The minister admitted to significant challenges in enforcing the law on the ground. Officials dispatched for inspections reported facing immense pressure and fearing for their safety and that of their families.
For those unable to cope with the situation, the ministry offers a solution: they can request a transfer. “We will assign new personnel to take over the work,” Suchart explained.
Public Must Wait Until Evacuation is Complete
Reports indicate that over 50 rai of forest land in Choeng Thale municipality are occupied by a group linked to a deputy governor. New legal proceedings are underway against Nui Beach, which was previously cleared, due to a fresh occupation.
The minister promised that the beaches would be permanently protected this time. The public can expect to witness the gradual clearing of properties around mid-July. The key difference from past efforts: the special taskforce will remain on-site permanently.