Prawee Rattana, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) of Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) confirmed to The Phuket News that no permit had been issued for any land modification activities on the site.
“Kathu District Office and Kamala OrBorTor jointly filed a formal complaint with Kamala Police to pursue legal action against the landowner for excavation and landfilling without the required authorisation,” Mr Prawee said.
“Further investigation is now underway to verify the accuracy of the land title deed, particularly concerning land elevation data,” he continued.
“Also we are examining whether any illegal encroachment or deforestation has occurred beyond the deed boundaries,” he noted.
Concerns about the legality and the danger of the excavation at the site, in Moo 6, Kamala, were raised earlier this week by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee.
MP Chalermpong called on the Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat to take urgent action, citing the dangers posed to both the environment and public safety.
“I have received continuous complaints from residents in Kamala regarding illegal excavation and encroachment on mountain forests in several areas, particularly on steep slopes prone to landslides and flash floods,” MP Chalermpong stated.
“This is a destruction of natural resources and the environment, causing distress to the public; it destroys the condition of the mountains and upstream forests. It poses a risk of flash floods and landslides, especially during the rainy season.
“The communities below are at risk, with no prior warning or precautions. Was the excavation permitted and the excavation performed in accordance with the law?,” he said in a Facebook post.
In response, Governor Sophon assigned Somkid Chokong, Advisor to the Phuket Governor, to lead a site inspection together with officials from multiple agencies.
The inspection team included representatives from Kathu District Office, Kamala OrBorTor, Phuket Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (MNRE Phuket), Phuket Provincial Forestry Office and the Phuket Provincial Land Office.
The team was dispatched to investigate the site and confirmed that the area in question, covering about 32 rai, is registered under NorSor 4 Jor (NS4J) No. 11588 land occupation document, which confirms the right of possession of government land granted to an individual.
The NorSor 4 was issued on June 27, 2008, and is legally registered, MP Chalermpong confirmed. However, he declined to name the person claiming land usage rights through the NorSor 4.
The Phuket Forestry Office also confirmed that the land is located outside of designated forest zones.
However, during the site visit, officials discovered clear evidence of excavation and landfilling activities, which had been documented in a video clip posted by MP Chalermpong. No individuals, vehicles, or machinery were present during the inspection.