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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
National

Ministry pursues Phuket land recovery

Officials raise signs to announce encroachment in Phuket. Photo: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has stepped up efforts to recover 25 rai of protected land in Sirinat National Park in Phuket's Thalang district.

Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered officials of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Sirinat National Park and the Phuket Legal Execution Office to enforce judgments in two cases.

One case involves a 13-rai site in tambon Sakhu where the Supreme Court ordered the revocation of a land-use certificate and the demolition of 39 hotel and villa structures. Another case concerns a 12-rai plot in tambon Choeng Thale where authorities found a title deed had been issued using forged documents.

Officials warned occupants they have 15 days to comply before demolition proceeds under the national park law.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee visited the site on Friday. He said legal action will be taken without discrimination, regardless of the value of the investment involved.

"There will be no exceptions and no preferential treatment for influential figures or investment groups," he said. "Natural resources must be returned to the state."

Atthapol Charoenchansa, DNP director-general, said six encroachment cases in Sirinat National Park are being pursued, with two already having been told to vacate the area before demolition begins.

He said DNP is also preparing a memorandum of understanding with the Interior Ministry and the Department of Lands to strengthen land title probes.

The Phuket administration is separately examining more than 1,000 businesses that have yet to complete registration, while authorities continue investigations into alleged encroachment on beaches and public land.

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