The decision came during a meeting held last week at Phuket Provincial Hall, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong.
The meeting was attended by Admiral Chonlathit Nawanukroh, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Navy and Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakun, Commander of the Third Naval Area based at Cape Panwa.
Also present were Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) and representatives from several government agencies.
Speaking after the meeting, V/Adm Suwat requested that the provincial officials set up a committee to draft zoning regulations that would distinguish areas designated for residential use from those reserved for environmental conservation and for Navy use.
“As personnel responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order in the area under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Navy, we must state that those residing in the area are considered to be encroaching on government land,” V/Adm Suwat said. “However, there is currently no policy or command from the central government or the Royal Thai Navy regarding enforcement. We are waiting for further instructions. The province must take the lead to mediate between the residents and the Third Area Command to ensure fairness.”
Vice Governor Adul confirmed that efforts are underway to divide the 5,000-rai forest reserve into four main zones: watershed conservation zone (1,000 rai); government use zone (1,800 rai); residential zone (about 2,000 rai); and shared public use and tourism community zone.
Of note, and downplayed in an official report of the meeting, was the Navy agreeing to greatly reduce the 3,700 rai it initially requested to use.
At a meeting with local residents in 2023, the Navy announced that it had been granted use of 3,763 rai in the park to create a new home for the 22nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Regiment, the Anti-Aircraft Command Unit, an Air Defense and Coastal Defense Center and the 4th Naval Police Battalion of the Naval Police Department.
Regardless, V/Gov Adul last week continued, “The public use zone may include public utilities such as parking for the Phuket Pillar Shrine, an OTOP sales area, a new water reservoir (10 million cubic metre capacity), a community kiln or a public park.”
V/Gov Adul noted that while some villagers have occupied the land since before 1957, others are considered new encroachers. Legal action is already underway against nine individuals accused of unlawfully occupying forest land.
“Last year, two meetings were held to review the use of the reserved forest and to verify registration records. Originally, about 200 households had occupied the land since 1957, while 14 government agencies requested use of certain portions,” he explained.
“Of the 5,000 rai, 3,000 rai were allocated to the Royal Thai Navy and other agencies, but the conflict stems from some people living in the 3,000 rai area.”
He added that the zoning plan will aim to allocate up to 10 rai per household for existing villagers, in accordance with the law. A technical team from the Phuket Forestry Department will draft the layout and ensure the land is divided fairly.
Currently, about 260 villagers occupy land in the park that is located within Tambon Sakhu and Tambon Thepkrasattri. Local officials say zoning will help distinguish between residents and government agencies while avoiding forced evictions.
“The Third Area Command only requests to use 1,800 rai of the 3,000 rai granted. The remaining land can be used to support the community in a legal and sustainable manner,” V/Gov Adul said.
“The provincial committee will handle this sensitively, listening to all sides before finalising the plan,” he added.
The committee overseeing the issue includes the Phuket Governor, representatives from local administrative organisations, the district chief, village leaders, the Provincial Ombudsman’s Office and representatives from the Administrative Court for those facing legal action.
The meeting concluded with agreement for the next steps, including drafting a detailed zoning map and holding further discussions to ensure the final plan addresses both conservation goals and the rights of residents.