Phuket-
The Director-General of Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has issued an urgent order mandating the removal of 11 unauthorized structures within the protected forest zone at Nui Beach, Phuket, by June 5th, 2026.
Our previous story:
Now for the update:
The directive, signed by Director-General Bikorn Sirirojananan on May 20th, 2026, invokes Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act (1964). It requires occupants and related parties to vacate the Nak Kerd Mountain Reserved Forest area and dismantle all constructions. The order follows a joint inspection on May 14th by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, local administrative units, and forestry officers.
Investigators found that approximately 15–18 rai of forest land had been encroached upon, with new structures erected to support tourism activities. The 11 identified constructions include:
- Shops
- Animal pens
- Residences
- Toilets and bathing facilities
- Tourist service points
- Rest pavilions
- A naga statue and worship area
- Parking facilities
- Concrete roads and a water barrier
Authorities determined that these activities violate Section 14 of the National Reserved Forest Act. A formal complaint has already been filed with Karon Police Station.
Under the order, those responsible must remove the structures and vacate the land by June 5th. Failure to comply allows the Forestry Department to carry out demolition directly, with all costs charged to the violators plus an additional 30 percent surcharge.
Affected parties retain the right to appeal to the Director-General within 15 days of receiving the order
