Suwat Saowarat, Director of the Phuket Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), led an inspection to the southern end of the beach on Sunday (Mar 16) following reports from the Phuket STRONG-Sufficiency Economy Anti-Corruption Club.
The reports indicated that Beachfront Phuket Hotel had begun demolishing structures that encroached on public land, including large piles of rocks on the beachfront..
The NACC Phuket office had previously investigated the site on Jan 22 and revisited it on Mar 11 as part of an ongoing anti-corruption initiative.
The investigation was conducted in coordination with various agencies, including the Region 8 office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Phuket branch of Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), the Phuket Regional Marine Office, Thalang District officials and the Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).
On Sunday, officials sought an update from Kritiphong Wongwan, Manager of Beachfront Phuket Hotel, regarding the demolition process, said an official report of the follow-up.
He confirmed the hotel’s commitment to complying with regulations and stated that a backhoe had been used to remove the rock piles.
However, he noted that extracting concrete structures posed challenges.
The hotel is expediting the process and aims to complete the removal by the end of March, the report said.
Mr Kritiphong also highlighted complexities related to the land’s NorSor 3 title deed, which has contributed to unclear land management issues.
The PACC Phuket office acknowledged the hotel’s proactive response and pledged continued support for businesses to ensure public areas are used appropriately, the official report noted.
Officials also announced plans to investigate other hotels and operators with similar encroachment issues and work towards long-term solutions in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Additionally, officials emphasised the importance of strict compliance with regulations and vowed to continue monitoring progress to prevent future encroachments.