Authorities have ordered the owner of Imphu Hill Resort in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima, to demolish buildings encroaching on Thap Lan National Park within 15 days, following the conclusion of a long-running court case. The enforcement action marks the latest move by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to crack down on illegal development in protected forest areas.

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On 28 June, Thewin Meesap joined officials from Thap Lan National Park to post an official demolition order at the resort. The order requires the owner to remove all structures found to be illegally occupying national park land within the specified 15-day period, in line with instructions from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

The ministry said the action follows government policy to strengthen enforcement against investors and resort owners who have encroached on conservation forests. Officials have been instructed to pursue legal action and fully enforce final court rulings, with no exceptions for offenders.

Imphu Hill Resort is located in Thai Samakkhi subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The property covers around 20 rai and contains 39 structures.

Authorities first took legal action against the resort in 2008, accusing it of encroaching on land within Thap Lan National Park. The case has now concluded through the legal process, clearing the way for officials to enforce the demolition order in accordance with the law.

The ministry reiterated that it is committed to taking action against all illegal encroachment on protected forest land. Officials said the demolition order demonstrates that enforcement will continue once court proceedings have been completed and final judgments have been issued.

The Daily News reported that further action will depend on whether the resort owner complies with the demolition order within the 15-day deadline. If the structures are not removed as required, authorities are expected to proceed with enforcement measures under the relevant legal provisions. Dailynews subscription

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 June 2026

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Seem to remember several other demolition orders elsewhere. Not sure all of them got adhered to. Not that I want to bet on anything of course, but I might wager (if legally possible) that this won't happen on time... Nui Beach? Ko Samui?

Demolition will make it more of an eyesore?

It's incredible that proceedings against Imphu Hill Resort have been running since 2008!

It also isn’t the only resort affected, two other Wang Nam Khiao resorts have received the same notices, with their cases already concluded and the same requirement to remove structures within 15 days.

As reported in The Nation, if they don’t, officials will proceed with demolition and return the land to Thap Lan National Park as ordered.