Forestry Department Orders Demolition of Illegal Structures at Nui Beach by June 5

Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has ordered the urgent demolition of 11 unauthorized structures built inside the protected forest zone at Nui Beach in Phuket.

The directive was signed on May 20 by Royal Forestry Department Director-General Bikorn Sirirojananan under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964. The order requires all occupants and related parties to vacate the Nak Kerd Mountain Reserved Forest area and remove the illegal constructions by June 5, 2026.

The action follows a joint inspection carried out on May 14 by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, local authorities, and forestry officers.

According to investigators, approximately 15 to 18 rai of protected forest land had been illegally occupied and developed for tourism-related activities.

Authorities identified 11 structures and facilities inside the encroached area, including:

• Shops

• Animal enclosures

• Residential buildings

• Toilets and shower facilities

• Tourist service points

• Rest pavilions

• A naga statue and worship site

• Parking areas

• Concrete roads and a water barrier

Officials concluded that the activities violated Section 14 of the National Reserved Forest Act. A formal complaint has already been filed with Karon Police Station.

Under the order, those responsible must fully dismantle the structures and leave the area no later than June 5. If they fail to comply, the Forestry Department is authorized to carry out the demolition itself, with all expenses charged to the violators along with an additional 30% surcharge.

Affected parties may file an appeal with the Director-General within 15 days of receiving the order.