Bangkok: Suchart Chomklin, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has expressed confidence in his dedication to governmental duties, assuring that he is not part of the group of forgotten ministers. Suchart emphasized his commitment to diligently working according to government policies, highlighting significant achievements such as the resolution of the nearly 50-year-old Thap Lan land dispute and the promotion of the "Phuket Model" to reclaim public beaches.
According to Thai News Agency, Suchart addressed rumors regarding the performance evaluation of ministers in the current cabinet, stating that the appointment or reshuffling of the cabinet remains the prerogative of the Prime Minister. He stressed that his primary responsibility is to execute his duties to the best of his ability, ensuring government policies and the Prime Minister's directives yield tangible results and maximize benefits for the populace. Suchart affirmed his confidence in not being among the "forgotten" ministers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is actively working to resolve longstanding land and natural resource issues, particularly through the "Phuket Model," which aims to reclaim public beach areas and ensure equal access for everyone. Actions have been taken at Nui Beach, and notices have been posted under Section 25 to address 22 illegal structures at Freedom Beach, as per the Prime Minister's instructions. The ministry is continuously monitoring progress in these areas.
Efforts to resolve the land dispute within the Thap Lan National Park, a problem that has persisted for nearly 50 years, are being accelerated to ensure fairness and clarity regarding the rights of residents to live and work on the land. This initiative runs parallel with the ongoing allocation of land for farming and housing under the National Land Policy Committee (NLPC), targeting to allocate land rights to approximately 1 million households by 2027. Simultaneously, the ministry is developing laws and measures to address climate change, upgrading environmental standards for the industrial sector, and tasking the Pollution Control Department with investigating and resolving pollution issues transparently and fairly based on public complaints.
Suchart reiterated that the ministry's achievements are a result of the cooperation of the permanent secretary and all directors-general of departments under its purview, who have consistently driven government policies in areas such as land management, natural resource conservation, environmental protection, and addressing public hardships.
"I continue to visit and monitor progress across all regions to accelerate the resolution of problems and achieve concrete results. I am fully committed to supporting the policies of the government and the Prime Minister, prioritizing the benefit of the people," Suchart stated.