Thai Minister Orders Reopening of Public Access to Phuket’s Nui Beach

Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, has ordered authorities to restore public access to Nui Beach in Phuket after complaints about blocked entry routes and unauthorized fee collection.

The inspection took place on May 14 at Nui Beach in Karon and involved several senior officials, including Assistant Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Nantachart Supamongkol, National Parks Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department Phatthapong Sumittiphat, and Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn.

The visit followed a separate inspection by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul the previous day, highlighting growing government pressure over long-running disputes involving alleged land encroachment and the use of public coastal areas for private business interests.

Authorities said legal cases linked to Nui Beach have been ongoing since 2018. The disputed land reportedly includes protected forest areas and public property allegedly occupied for commercial purposes. Although several cases are approaching completion, officials admitted that unresolved obstacles still prevent full restoration of the area.

During the inspection, Minister Suchart stated that no private individual or organization has the right to restrict access to public beaches or collect entrance fees from visitors.

He instructed government agencies to remove barriers and reopen access routes within one week. Officials were also ordered to rehabilitate the surrounding natural environment and begin preparations to classify the site as a “Recreational Forest,” allowing the area to remain accessible for public use under state management.

The minister warned that officials who fail to enforce the law properly could face reassignment, emphasizing the government’s determination to crack down on influential groups accused of exploiting state-owned land.

Authorities will now continue inspections together with the Royal Forest Department, the Agricultural Land Reform Office, and Phuket officials to investigate additional disputed land plots, particularly areas suspected of illegal occupation or misuse.

According to Suchart, any land proven to be part of the original state forest reserve will be reclaimed and returned to government control.

Officials said the operation forms part of a broader nationwide policy ordered by the prime minister to combat illegal encroachment on natural resources and public land across Thailand.

The government says the campaign aims to ensure beaches, forests, and protected natural areas remain accessible public assets rather than falling under private control.