Phuket’s extensive beach clearing has reached the island’s east coast, involving municipal officers and navy personnel, reports The Phuket Gazette. In the past month, authorities have been cracking down on parties that have encroached on public land, including beaches and national parks. Structures deemed illegal, including taxi stands, beachside bars, makeshift restaurants, shops and sun loungers, have been ordered to be removed by their operators, or face forced demolition.
To assure property investors that the real estate they may be interested in buying is not encroaching on national park land or Phuket’s many beaches, a land legality verification centre has been established, with no fees for this service. The announcement of the centre follows efforts by the Department of Special Investigation, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Office and Department of National Parks to handle alleged land encroachment in Sirinath National Park. Located in the northwest of the island, the park encompasses Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Sai Kaeo beaches, as well as sections of the sea.
For tourism-related stakeholders, the current Phuket clean-up measures are a positive, long-term development, restoring the beauty of the island’s natural vistas as well as demonstrating that rule of law must be enforced.
