PHUKET (NNT) – The Royal Forest Department (RFD) is leading a multi-agency effort to reclaim reserved forest land encroached upon by a private company on Phuket’s Nui Beach. The operation is part of an increased crackdown on illegal beachfront constructions across Thailand, prompted by a recent incident where a Swiss man assaulted a local doctor on what he believed was private property in Phuket.

Staircase in Phuket where doctor was assaulted now a tourist attraction

Officials discovered that the site was previously subject to a demolition order due to encroachment in 2018 and 2019. However, it appears the owners have returned and are again blocking public access to the beach, even collecting entry fees. The RFD emphasized that the beach is public land and private construction is prohibited under the National Reserved Forest Act.