Koh Samui Overlap Stone 2 seized over forest encroachment

Forestry officials have seized Overlap Stone 2, a paid viewpoint and photo attraction on Koh Samui, after finding that its structures occupied 4-3-35 (4 rai, 3 ngan, and 35 tarang wa) of forest land.

The action, announced on July 23, follows Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's recent oversight of the demolition of illegal structures at Nui beach in Phuket. Suchart said the Koh Samui attraction belonged to a large investment group.

On his personal Facebook page, Suchart said the law would be enforced and that exploitation of state land would not be tolerated. He instructed the Forestry Department to work with other agencies on decisive action against encroachment on public land and state resources.

Officials find structures on forest land

Mr Udomsak Palakawong Na Ayutthaya, of the Forest Resource Management Office 11 in Surat Thani, led the inspection with Mr Wiwat Nu-in, director of the Forest Protection and Fire Control Division.

They were joined by Koh Samui administrative officials and police from Bo Phut station.

Using satellite coordinates, the team established that structures at the tourist site had been built on 4-3-35 rai of forest land.

Officers find 33 structures in total.

Forest Protection Unit S.D. 16 (Koh Samui) has been assigned to handle the case. Evidence gathered during the inspection has been recorded at Bo Phut police station for legal proceedings against those responsible.

A popular paid sunset photo spot

Overlap Stone 2 is in the hills of Maret subdistrict and charges visitors an entry fee. The attraction is known for its deliberately fantasy-style photo installations, including a large hand, a goddess sculpture and an amphitheatre-style restaurant.

A Bangkok Airways blog describes the site as a place where visitors can watch the sunset while using its creative photo spots and restaurant facilities.

For foreign residents, tourists and travel operators on Samui, the seizure is a reminder that attractions built on public or protected land can become subject to enforcement action with little notice.

The case also forms part of a wider enforcement message from the minister following action at Nui beach in Phuket, with state agencies instructed to pursue alleged encroachment involving public land and natural resources.

Pictures courtesy of TNR

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25 July 2026