BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin visited Surat Thani’s Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on October 21 to meet residents, address land encroachment concerns, and lead a marine waste cleanup activity under a royal conservation project. The visit began at the Koh Samui City Municipality Office, where he met with local communities to discuss ongoing environmental and natural resource challenges.
Suchart reviewed the results of an investigation into allegations of foreign encroachment on forest land in Koh Phangan. Inspections by the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation confirmed that all nine sites examined were outside the Than Sadet–Koh Phangan National Park boundary. Only one location fell within a national reserved forest zone, now under review for allocation to eligible residents through the Agricultural Land Reform for the Poor project. Officials confirmed there was no evidence of illegal occupation or misuse of land rights.
During the discussions, Suchart also addressed local issues related to waste management, food waste reduction, and coral reef conservation. He directed agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to coordinate with local authorities in creating long-term environmental management plans that balance tourism growth with ecosystem protection. Koh Samui continues to serve as a major tourism hub, making sustainable management critical to both the environment and the economy.
Later that day, the Deputy Prime Minister presided over the launch of a marine waste cleanup on Koh Phangan under the Project for Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Volunteer divers collected marine debris and handed it to the Pollution Control Department for proper disposal. Suchart also took part in a beach cleanup at Thong Sala Public Park and distributed cleaning equipment to local volunteers.
The event drew more than 300 participants, including senior ministry officials, volunteer divers, students, and residents. The effort promoted public awareness of marine conservation and encouraged joint responsibility in protecting ecosystems vital to tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Minister Suchart instructed the Surat Thani Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, along with local agencies, to monitor environmental protection compliance on both islands. He ordered stricter oversight of wastewater management, enforcement of Environmental Impact Assessment requirements, and the integration of Zero Food Waste policies for local businesses. (NNT)
