Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has mandated a comprehensive crackdown under the "Phuket Model" to address issues of forest encroachment, nominee schemes, and illegal land grabbing. The initiative aims to scrutinize every square inch of land in Phuket and plans to expand this model across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts to combat illegal activities on national forest reserves, national parks, and public lands. The strategy involves meticulously examining the use of state land, detecting illegal land title issuance, and tackling land ownership through nominees. The expansion of this initiative nationwide seeks to protect natural resources and safeguard national interests.
The Deputy Spokesperson noted that the government has tasked Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsi with overseeing the implementation of the policy, while Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin is responsible for integrating efforts with relevant agencies. The Royal Forest Department, along with partner agencies, has already initiated inspections, reviewed land title documents, enforced legal actions against encroachers, and coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to investigate financial transactions linked to these illegal activities. Efforts are underway to restore reclaimed areas for sustainable public use.
Ms. Lalida highlighted that the 'Phuket Model' has begun to show tangible results, including the successful reclamation of the Nakorn Kerd Mountain Range National Forest Reserve after a 28-year dispute. The model is also working on demolishing structures encroaching on Nui Beach, Freedom Beach, and Sirinat National Park, while addressing illegal structures on state land in various locations. The initiative aims to return public spaces to the people and preserve the country's natural resources, with similar efforts being applied to resolve land use issues within Thap Lan National Park.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has directed relevant agencies to expedite investigations and enforce strict legal actions against unlicensed hotels in Phuket, citing concerns about the safety of tourists and the public. He has also ordered the removal of illegal structures on hillsides leading to the beach that are used for unauthorized tourist charges, aiming to restore equal access to public spaces. Ms. Lalida affirmed the government's commitment to enforcing the law consistently and fairly, expanding the 'Phuket Model' nationwide to protect natural resources and preserve state land for public use, underlining the principle that 'Thai land belongs to all Thai people.'