Bangkok: MP Kulawalee, Chair of the Land Committee, inspected the Hat Nui area regarding alleged encroachment on protected forest, following the issue's continued public attention. Ms. Kulwalee Nopamornbodee, a Member of Parliament for Ratchaburi Province from the Bhumjaithai Party, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, visited the area alongside committee members to investigate the encroachment on national forest reserves and to follow up on legal proceedings at Nui Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kulwalee stated that this field visit was part of the committee's mission to monitor the performance of government agencies concerning land and natural resources. The committee held a meeting with relevant agencies to gather information and follow up on the progress related to encroachment on national forest reserves, national parks, and coastal areas. They also requested additional documents from various agencies for review by the committee in the House of Representatives.
In the afternoon, the committee visited Bang Tao Beach and Nui Beach, areas currently under dispute. Nui Beach, in particular, is categorized as a national forest reserve, with some areas experiencing forest degradation. The presence of hornbills, a sign of biodiversity, contrasts with the issuance of land titles under the Agricultural Land Reform Act (Sor Por Kor), prompting an investigation into the area's suitability for agriculture due to its terrain.
Previously, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had ordered the demolition of 39 structures by July 9, 2026. Non-compliance would result in demolition by authorities, with the costs charged to the occupants.
The chairman of the Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment emphasized the need for cooperation from media and local offices to ensure a transparent investigation. The committee is focused on issues such as the investigation of encroachment on protected forest areas, the demolition of structures with final court judgments, reopening public access to the beach, and the use of nominees by foreigners to hold or occupy land.