Authorities will start to demolish hotels that encroach on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket next month, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister said on Tuesday.
Officials have surveyed buildings that encroached on Nui beach on the island’s southwest coast and already rejected petitions from the owners, the minister said.
Demolition notices have been posted on the encroaching properties, with owners given a deadline of July 9 to comply. If they fail to do so, the government will carry out the demolitions at the owners’ expense, the minister said.
Officials of the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are preparing to take similar actions against many resorts that encroach on the boundary of Sirinat National Park on the island’s west coast.
The Royal Forest Department will do the same with buildings encroaching on other beaches including Freedom beach.
According to the department, many shops also encroach on beaches and reserved forest land in Phuket and they will be removed as well.
Official said that 39 shops would be dismantled on Nui beach and 37 buildings would be demolished on Bang Tao beach.
