PHUKET - The operators of businesses deemed to be encroaching on Nui Beach have been ordered to demolish their structures and return the land to the Royal Forestry Department by July 9 or face action from authorities.
Forestry, Interior Ministry and police officers posted a demolition order on the beach in Muang district on Friday, warning the operators to tear down their premises by the indicated date or face being charged by forestry officials the failure.
The warning was placed at the entrance to Nui beach along with official order letters at all the shops set for demolition.
The move came after beach violators had failed to show up in person to meet forestry officials to acknowledge the instruction in writing. Representatives of the businesses observed the postings by officials at the beach on Friday.
The order was signed by department director-general Nikorn Sirarotchananon. It followed the instruction of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin last month to clear all illegal businesses from beach areas under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
Thanandorn Phetdee said 39 structures - large and small - on Nui Beach were built upon Khao Nak Koet National Reserve Forest land. Together, they illegally occupy about 15 rai of the state plot, the foresty official added at the site.
Locals and beachgoers had cried foul over being illegally charged for visiting Nui and Freedom beaches on the island.
The department took the case to court. The Phuket Provincial Court and Court of Appeals ordered the occupants vacate the beach and return it to its original state. The encroachers have forwarded the case to the Supreme Court after fighting it in the Administrative Court.
