Phuket—
The Royal Forest Department has issued a strict deadline for the removal of unauthorized structures at Freedom Beach, ordering occupants to dismantle 22 buildings and facilities within the protected forest area by August 5th, 2026.
The Royal Forest Department told the Phuket Express that the enforcement action, carried out under Section 25 of the Forest Act, targets approximately 9 rai (about 3.5 acres) of land within the Nakkerd Mountain National Forest Reserve in the Karon Subdistrict. Officials posted formal notices on-site, instructing occupants to vacate and restore the land to the state.
The operation was led by Siwatch Rawangkul, District Chief of Mueang Phuket, with support from police, forestry officers, and other agencies, under the directive of Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom.
Occupants have the right to appeal to the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department by July 21st, 2026, but appeals will not suspend enforcement. If the deadline passes without compliance, the department will proceed with demolition and charge the occupants for removal costs.
The order follows an investigation that confirmed encroachment and construction within the reserve. Evidence submitted by occupants was deemed insufficient to overturn the findings, prompting the department to reclaim the land for the state.
