Phuket –
Officials have seized a four-rai land parcel and 17 structures belonging to a well-known seaside restaurant, citing unauthorized encroachment on forested land and illegal construction extending into public waterways.
The Phuket Forestry Office told the Phuket Express that at approximately 10:00 A.M. on April 24th, 2025, they and representatives from the Natural Resources and Environment Office with local police, placed official seizure notices at the contested site in the Hasnanivet community, in Talat Yai.
The property owner allegedly failed to provide proper documentation confirming legal ownership, prompting officials to move forward with legal action. The structures include multiple developments directly adjacent to the shoreline, which authorities determined had been constructed without official approval, violating environmental and maritime regulations.
Two signs were posted by enforcement officials—one at the restaurant’s gated entrance and another at the outer boundary of the property—marking the land as seized. However, in response, the restaurant management later put up its own sign claiming the site falls within the boundaries, asserting their rights over the property.
The seizure follows an official complaint from concerned citizens and subsequent investigation on March 12th, 2025, which allegedly confirmed unauthorized occupation and construction. Legal proceedings for forest encroachment violations have already been initiated at Mueang Phuket Police Station, and further investigations are now underway.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Regional Marine Office had earlier requested the restaurant’s landholder to provide proof of construction permits regarding waterway encroachment. Preliminary checks revealed no such authorization had been issued, leading authorities to order the removal of shoreline barriers and structures covering 950 square meters along a 140-meter stretch of coastline. The landholder has been given 90 days to dismantle the unauthorized developments but retains the right to appeal the order for fairness.
Further legal action, including criminal charges, has been registered with the Phuket City Police. Authorities emphasize that this case highlights ongoing efforts to protect public land, ensure environmental conservation, and maintain lawful land use across Phuket.
The restaurant owner, meanwhile, has not directly spoken to the media as of press time but is believed to disagree with the orders and be seeking an appeal.
