The orders were confirmed at a meeting of the Phuket Provincial Land Policy Subcommittee for 2025, held at the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office this past week. Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai chaired the meeting, which was attended by officials including Surasak Anusorn, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (MNRE Phuket).
The committee reviewed the Cabinet’s resolution on solutions for forest-dwelling communities and projects to support career development in mangrove forest areas, such as Baan Yamu in Thalang. Officials also noted that the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources had granted permission for forest use to two communities in Thalang – Ao To Khun and Laem Sai Nai Phru.
However, much of the focus was on housing and land use in key areas across the island.
In Ratsada, Myanmar workers living in front of the Fishing Port on Koh Siray were ordered to vacate within 30 days.
Ratsada Municipality initially confirmed that no official instruction had yet been received to evacuate and clear them out from land. Ratsada Mayor Jirayut Songyot told The Phuket News: “All those told to evacuate were Myanmar workers, and I still have no idea where they are going to relocate.”
In Baan Khok Tanod, Chalong, unauthorised housing was also identified, with residents – mostly Thai nationals – also told to leave within 30 days. Chalong Municipality has yet to confirm details of the relocation process.
By contrast, officials in Mai Khao reported positive progress, with land allocated to 35 local residents covering more than 168 rai inside the Khao Mai Prok-Kaew Forest national forest reserve.
The meeting, also linked with the Phuket Provincial Land Reform Commission, was described by officials as a key step in implementing national land-use policy at the provincial level. Vice Governor Samawit said the overall aim was to “balance legal land use with sustainable management of reserved forests and coastal communities while safeguarding Phuket’s environment.”
Following the subcommittee session, further talks were held on Friday (Augt 22) involving Phuket MP Chlermpong Saengdee, Governor’s Advisor Dr Somkid Chokong, Surasak Anusorn, ISOC Phuket Province personnel and representatives from the Koh Siray community.
The meeting addressed concerns over Myanmar workers living in the area and the reallocation of land under the land policy project.
Officials reported that 81 houses had originally been listed in the project, but only 52 now remain. It was resolved that households violating project conditions must be removed, and all Myanmar workers renting the houses must vacate.
The original 30-day deadline for Myanmar workers to leave has since been extended to Sept 22, with a second warning issued, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee explained in a post online.
Structures must be demolished, and officials warned that if inspections after this date find workers still renting houses, both the tenants and property owners will face legal action, MP Chalermpong added.