Bangkok: "Kulawalee" reveals the parliamentary committee's resolution to pursue cases of forest encroachment in Phuket, urging genuine demolition and revocation of illegally issued land titles, in line with "Suchart's" Phuket model for reclaiming Sirinat National Park.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kulwalee Nopamornbodee, MP for Ratchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chair of the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, disclosed that the committee has approved a report on the field investigation of land and environmental problems in Phuket Province. She urged relevant agencies to expedite legal action, revoke land titles, and enforce the demolition of structures encroaching on state land. This resolution aligns with the "Phuket Model" operation directed by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, which aims to enforce court rulings and demolish luxury hotels and villas encroaching on Sirinat National Park, thereby reclaiming over 25 rai of forest land for the state.

Ms. Kulwalee explained that, following field visits and joint meetings with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, the Land Department, and other agencies in Phuket, it was discovered that Sirinat National Park has at least nine significant cases involving hotels, resorts, companies, and individuals accused of occupying or utilizing park areas. In some instances, the court has issued final judgments, and the encroachers have vacated the area. However, some cases are still in the process of revoking land titles, demolishing structures, or proving the legality of land deeds. Consequently, the committee proposed that all agencies expedite their actions within their authority to prevent delays that might allow businesses to continue using the land.

Furthermore, the committee proposed that the Phuket Provincial Department of Public Works and Town Planning participate in inspecting the boundaries and setbacks of structures. They also suggested that the Regional Conservation Area Administration Office 5 should be able to submit boundary surveys to the Land Department independently, without waiting for private companies, to close loopholes that hinder the enforcement of judgments.

Ms. Kulwalee also addressed the Nui Beach area within the Nakorn Khet Mountain Range National Forest Reserve, stating that the investigation should be divided into two parts: prosecuting those who encroach and construct illegal structures, and verifying the rights of citizens who can provide evidence of their residence and use of the area since 1950, before the Land Code was enacted and before the area was declared a national forest reserve. The committee resolved that the Royal Forest Department, the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Land, and the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) should expedite the preparation of a report detailing the facts, boundaries, and status of all seven land plots to be submitted to the committee. This is to ensure strict enforcement of the law against encroachers without affecting citizens who may have legitimate rights.

Ms. Kulwalee emphasized the need for consistent application of court judgments, stating, 'Court judgments must be followed. Encroachers, whether individuals, companies, large hotels, or resorts, must be subject to the same legal standards. At the same time, citizens who were there before and have evidence must receive justice. We must reclaim state land without creating new injustices.'

Mr. Suchart had previously announced his intention to proceed with the demolition of structures in Sirinat National Park, Nui Beach, and Freedom Beach after some appeals were dismissed, affirming that action would be taken against all encroachers without exception.