Deputy Interior Minister Inspects Bang Tao and Nai Thon as Phuket Land Crackdown Continues

Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister Polapi Suwanachawi has continued a high-profile inspection tour of Phuket, focusing on disputed land use and illegal business operations as part of the government's ongoing campaign to restore order in the province.

The visit marks the second inspection by senior officials from Bangkok in less than a month. Accompanying the deputy minister were Ronnarong Thepsiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), and Pornphot Penpat, Director-General of the Department of Lands.

On July 10, the delegation visited Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach, two areas that have become central to the government's efforts to tackle illegal land occupation. Bang Tao is home to several businesses operating on land with disputed ownership documents, while Nai Thon includes developments that have already been the subject of final court rulings.

Following the inspection, Polapi stressed that authorities intend to complete long-running enforcement efforts.

"Today we must do what is right. We must protect entrepreneurs who operate legally and support those who pay taxes properly, because government revenue comes from law-abiding taxpayers."

According to the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office (PR Phuket), the deputy minister expressed satisfaction with the province's progress in investigating land ownership, examining business operations, and suppressing violations of the law.

Officials said cooperation between the Department of Lands, DOPA, provincial authorities, and other agencies has strengthened, particularly in cases involving questionable land ownership and business activities that may breach Thai law.

Polapi reaffirmed that authorities will strictly enforce all final court judgments and take action wherever government agencies already possess legal authority. Cases that remain under investigation, he said, will continue to be examined carefully to ensure both legality and fairness for all parties involved.

Although no final rulings have yet been issued regarding several beach clubs, restaurants, and tourism businesses operating in the Bang Tao area, the government's position remains unchanged. Earlier, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that commercial businesses operating on what is commonly known as "Maya Beach" in Bang Tao cannot legally remain in place.

The deputy minister also instructed relevant agencies to continue applying the principles of the rule of law, transparency, and fairness while assisting businesses that comply with legal requirements. He further directed the Department of Lands to accelerate investigations into the origins of land title documents associated with commercially used plots that are under scrutiny.

The day's inspection also included a visit to Sirinat National Park, where authorities are already enforcing Supreme Court decisions involving two developments found to have illegally occupied protected land. One of the projects has been identified as a hotel near Nai Thon Beach in Sakhu, while the second property is located in Cherng Talay.