Phuket Beach Entrance Reopened After Local Protests

PRESS RELEASE:

Public access to Phuket’s Laem Nga Beach has been restored after a resolution was reached between provincial authorities and Cape Nga Development Co. The previously closed public road leading to the beach was reopened on Sunday (Mar 10), following public outcry over the closure.

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the reopening, noting successful negotiations that addressed public concerns regarding access to the popular beach in Ratsada subdistrict. The agreement stipulates the continued public use of the road, with local authorities assuming responsibility for maintaining its safety and cleanliness.

The dispute centered on a public road constructed in 1994 by the Department of Rural Roads. Ownership was later transferred to the Ratsada Subdistrict Municipality. However, a development project by Cape Nga Development Co. resulted in a partial closure of the road, greatly limiting public access to the beach.

Governor Sophon, upon his return from ITB Berlin, a prestigious tourism fair in Germany, following orders from Interior Minister Auntin Chanvirakul, ensured the situation had been properly addressed through his deputies and all related units.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.