Phuket Land Dispute Puts 669 Khok Tanod Households at Risk of Eviction

More than 3,000 residents of the Khok Tanod community in Chalong are seeking government assistance as a long-running dispute over privately owned land has led to eviction lawsuits affecting 669 households.

Community representatives from Moo 9 submitted a petition to the Phuket Damrongdhama Centre, the province’s complaints and assistance centre, on September 21. They asked authorities to help protect residents’ rights during the ongoing legal process and prepare housing assistance for families who may eventually have to leave their homes.

Many of the affected households are low-income and have no alternative accommodation.

According to an account of the meeting by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, a number of eviction and demolition cases have been brought against residents. Some of the lawsuits have reportedly already reached final judgment at the Supreme Court level.

Provincial officials stressed that the administration has no authority to overturn or interfere with court decisions. Residents whose cases are still being considered by the courts can continue to present evidence and defend their interests through the judicial process.

The dispute is not new. A 2015 report by the Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI) said private ownership claims and eviction actions involving more than 600 Khok Tanod families had emerged as early as 2005.

Housing assistance for affected families

The Phuket Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security has opened registration for households affected by the dispute. One representative from each household can register to seek welfare assistance.

Families left without accommodation may be referred to temporary housing through the Centre for the Protection of the Destitute, although the available stays are limited.

Those who need to rent alternative accommodation but cannot afford the initial expenses may also apply for emergency financial assistance.

For a longer-term solution, authorities are considering CODI’s Baan Mankong programme, a national scheme designed to help lower-income communities secure land and develop housing through collective arrangements. The programme can involve negotiated land tenure and community-managed financial mechanisms.

Chalermpong said previous attempts to organise the wider Khok Tanod community had not been successful because of financial difficulties and a lack of continuity.

Officials are now proposing the creation of a community savings group so participating households can prepare to access Baan Mankong funding. At the same time, negotiations may be held with the private landowner over a lease ranging from three to 20 years.

The provincial administration said its role would be to coordinate between residents and relevant agencies rather than intervene in the court cases.

Officials will also coordinate with agencies, including the Provincial Electricity Authority, on electricity access and other basic services while possible housing solutions are being explored.