Joining MP Chalermpong for the inspection on Thursday (Apr 24) were officials from the Phuket Forestry Center and the Phuket Marine Office.
The inspection revealed that construction materials had encroached onto the beach area, raising concerns about legal violations and environmental harm.
The Phuket Marine Office will issue a formal warning to the contractor on two key issues, MP Chalermpong said in a post online.
“First, debris was found discharged into a nearby waterway, potentially violating Section 119 of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act. The law prohibits dumping materials such as rocks, soil and waste into public waterways or the sea without proper authorisation,” he said.
Offenders face penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to B10,000, or both, along with the cost of debris removal., he noted.
“Second, the team found indications of public land encroachment in violation of Section 117, which prohibits construction in or around public waterways or beaches without prior approval from the Marine Department. Permits must be issued in line with specific criteria outlined in ministerial regulations,’ MP Chalermpong explained.
Officials also found that the contractor had failed to obtain a required permit for excavation work.
The site had undergone ground excavation exceeding three metres in depth ‒ possibly up to six meters ‒ without approval from Wichit Municipality, MP Chalermpong noted.
Under local regulations, any excavation deeper than three metres requires official permission.
“I will continue to follow up on this matter and ensure that relevant authorities take appropriate action in response to the concerns raised by residents,” MP Chalermpong said after the inspection.