Thai Prime Minister Orders Tough Action Against Beach Encroachment in Phuket

Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Bang Tao Beach in Phuket’s Thalang district to personally oversee efforts aimed at combating illegal occupation of public beachfront land.

During the inspection, Anutin reaffirmed the government’s determination to restore order along Phuket’s coastline and prevent influential groups from taking control of public areas.

“There must be no mafia or influential figures controlling these areas,” the prime minister stated during the visit.

Authorities are focusing on businesses and individuals accused of illegally occupying state land or using public beachfront areas for commercial purposes, including restaurants and unauthorized structures. According to Anutin, such activities violate both criminal and civil laws.

The government also plans to pursue legal action against those accused of illegally leasing public land or misleading residents and business operators into signing unlawful rental agreements.

At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged that some local residents and entrepreneurs may have entered lease agreements without knowing the land was being used illegally. He said authorities would look for ways to assist those affected while ensuring future activities remain within the law and do not damage natural resources.

Anutin also revealed that the government is considering new long-term management models for Bang Tao Beach. One proposal involves cooperation between national agencies, including the Royal Forest Department, and local administrative organizations.

The idea would allow local communities to legally participate in economic activities while protecting public access to the beach and preventing monopolization of coastal land.

The prime minister instructed deputy interior ministers and related agencies to urgently prepare practical solutions that balance strict enforcement with the economic realities faced by local residents and businesses.

Forestry officials, local administrators, and police have been ordered to maintain continuous oversight in the area to ensure Bang Tao Beach remains accessible, properly regulated, and free from unlawful influence.

The inspection comes amid a broader campaign by Phuket authorities to reclaim illegally occupied beachfront land and strengthen protection of public coastal areas across the island.