Authorities have stepped up efforts to resolve a long-running land dispute at Nui Beach in Phuket after complaints that influential groups had occupied public land, blocked access routes and encroached on protected forest areas.
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On 10 June, Pol Sub Lt Pongsakorn Meepan, Director of Investigation Division 4 under the Office of the Ombudsman, and investigator Phumikhanit Jiamanukunkit held a meeting to review legal enforcement measures relating to land at Nui Beach in the Khao Nak Kerd National Forest Reserve in Karon, Mueang Phuket district. The land ownership rights were previously revoked by a Supreme Court ruling.
The investigation followed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman alleging that influential individuals had occupied and used land within the national forest reserve, which is considered public land for shared use. Complainants also alleged that buildings had been constructed in violation of building control laws and that access to the area had been blocked, causing inconvenience and damage to local residents.
Officials attending the meeting included representatives from the Department of Provincial Administration, Royal Forest Department, Phuket Land Reform Office, Phuket Provincial Police, Karon Police Station and Karon Municipality.
Following the meeting, officials inspected Nui Beach and Soi Laem Mum Nok. A man identified only as Mr A, presented himself as the owner and occupier of the disputed land. Forestry officials informed him that the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department had ordered him to provide clarification regarding alleged encroachment into the national forest reserve and had also issued a demolition order under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act 1964 and subsequent amendments.
Mr A argued that he held ownership rights because he had occupied and used the land before it was declared a national forest reserve. He also stated that a criminal case against him under the National Reserved Forest Act has not yet reached a final conclusion and remains under consideration by the Supreme Court. He maintained that he remains the lawful occupier of the land.
The disputed plot covers more than 18 rai and occupies a prime coastal location valued at approximately 1 billion baht. Although the Supreme Court revoked the land title documents in 2014, authorities said occupation of the area has continued until the present day.
According to a source from Forest Management Office 12, Krabi Branch, an application has already been submitted to use the forest reserve land. The Royal Forest Department has instructed officials to conduct surveys, inspect the site and prepare recommendations for the committee responsible for considering applications to use land within national forest reserves. The matter remains under review.
Daily News reported that Pongsakorn said authorities would use all available legal mechanisms and coordinate with relevant agencies to resolve the dispute transparently. Evidence has now been gathered for consideration by the Ombudsman, while further legal action will proceed in accordance with the law.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 11 June 2026