BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached public forest lands from private investors, stating he remains undeterred by ongoing administrative lawsuits. The initiative, known as the “Phuket Model,” targets illegal land occupation at Nui Beach in Phuket and aligns with national policies set by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Minister emphasized that his primary objective is to protect national forests and return state land to the public, assuring that all enforcement actions strictly follow legal procedures.
The Royal Forest Department previously issued an eviction and demolition order under Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964 against illegal occupants at Nui Beach. After the Ministry dismissed a subsequent appeal, the occupants filed a lawsuit with the Phuket Administrative Court against the Ministry and relevant agencies, requesting a temporary injunction to halt the demolition. The court recently denied this request, allowing state agencies to proceed with the eviction while the broader legal review continues.
The Minister stated that the Ministry and the Royal Forest Department are preparing comprehensive legal defenses to demonstrate strict compliance with the law. He reiterated that the Ministry will enforce regulations equitably and without discrimination. The Minister emphasized that the Phuket Model will serve as a standard for transparently resolving state land encroachments nationwide, ensuring the protection of natural resources for public benefit. (NNT)
