For anyone who bought land in Phuket without full legal certainty, the minister’s statement carries weight: unlawful titles in protected areas are being seized, even when buyers believed the purchase was legitimate.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin visited Sirinat National Park in Sakhu on 7 June to inspect park management and follow up on legal action against land encroachment cases. Senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Royal Forest Department joined the visit.
Speaking at Nai Yang Beach, Mr Suchart confirmed that all areas found to have been illegally encroached upon within the national park had been seized and were undergoing legal proceedings.
The risk for deceived buyers
Mr Suchart acknowledged that some land buyers may have been misled into purchasing plots backed by unlawfully issued title documents.
“People were deceived into buying land without knowing that the land title documents were illegal,” Mr Suchart said. “However, everything must be based on the law. We are in Thailand and we must respect Thai law. In the end, those who encroach on forests, beaches and coastlines will be left with nothing because these are national assets that we must reclaim for public use.”
In plain English, this means that even buyers who acted in good faith and believed they held valid title documents may lose the land if the original documents were issued illegally. The government’s position is clear: protected land belongs to the nation and will be reclaimed regardless of subsequent transactions.
Bang Tao Beach businesses under scrutiny
The minister also addressed concerns surrounding beachfront businesses at Bang Tao Beach, where authorities have recently intensified scrutiny of operators occupying public land and protected areas.
Mr Suchart said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had expressed concern over the issue and had instructed the Royal Forest Department and the DNP to convene an urgent meeting on 8 June to seek a solution that balances environmental protection with the livelihoods of local residents.
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing efforts by authorities to tackle illegal occupation of protected land across Phuket, particularly in coastal areas where disputes over land ownership and business operations have intensified in recent months, including at Bang Tao and Freedom Beach.
Boat taxi network planned to ease traffic
The visit also focused on efforts to address Phuket’s traffic congestion through the development of a marine transport network.
Mr Suchart said the Prime Minister had assigned the ministry, particularly the DNP, to survey suitable locations within Sirinat National Park for floating piers that could support a proposed boat taxi service.
The project would allow visitors to travel between major tourism areas by sea, including direct connections between Patong and the airport area, reducing reliance on Phuket’s congested road network.
Mr Suchart said Sirinat National Park possessed significant potential as an international tourism destination but had not received sufficient attention in that regard in the past. He said the proposed boat taxi service would help disperse tourists more efficiently while giving visitors greater opportunities to experience the natural attractions of the national park.
The minister was scheduled to return to Sirinat National Park on 8 June to meet with park officials, review ongoing forest encroachment cases and inspect coastal areas affected by erosion. The visit would also include discussions on long-term measures to prevent coastal degradation and restore marine ecosystems within the park.
What Phuket property buyers should understand
The key point for buyers is that title documents alone do not guarantee security if the land falls within protected areas. National park boundaries, forest reserve zones, coastal protection zones and other restricted areas are governed by strict regulations, and documents issued in breach of those regulations can be revoked.
Coastal land in Phuket, particularly near beaches, headlands and forested areas, carries heightened risk. Due diligence must include confirmation that the land is not within Sirinat National Park or other protected zones, and that the title history is clean.
The minister’s statement that encroachers “will be left with nothing” suggests that compensation for deceived buyers is not currently part of the enforcement approach. Buyers who purchased land in good faith but with defective title may face losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I bought land in Phuket with what I believed was a valid title?
If the title was issued illegally or the land falls within a protected area such as Sirinat National Park, the government may seize the land regardless of whether you knew the title was defective. The minister’s statement indicates that the law will be applied strictly and that encroached land will be reclaimed as a national asset.
Are beachfront properties at higher risk?
Yes. Coastal areas, particularly near beaches, headlands, national parks and forest reserves, are subject to strict protection laws. Authorities have intensified scrutiny of land occupation in these areas, including at Bang Tao and Freedom Beach. Due diligence is essential before purchasing beachfront or near-beach land.
Will the boat taxi network affect property demand in Phuket?
The proposed boat taxi service is intended to ease traffic congestion and improve access between major tourism areas such as Patong and the airport. If implemented, it may improve connectivity and make certain areas more attractive to visitors, though the impact on property demand will depend on the scale and reliability of the service.
Is the government offering compensation to deceived buyers?
The minister’s comments do not indicate that compensation is part of the current enforcement approach. Buyers who purchased land in good faith but with defective title may lose the land without recourse. Legal advice and thorough due diligence before purchase are critical.
Where can I check if land falls within a protected area?
Land status should be verified through the local land office, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Royal Forest Department. Professional legal assistance is strongly recommended when purchasing land in Phuket, particularly in coastal or forested areas.
Sources
- The Phuket News — MNRE Minister Suchart back in Phuket — link
