phuket nui beach
| | |

Phuket Nui Beach: A Model for Thailand’s Coastal Encroachment Reform

ByJustpaste.in

Phuket –

The recent government-led effort to reopen public access to Nui Beach in Phuket may appear at first glance to be a local dispute over land use. Yet, the case has quickly become emblematic of a broader national challenge: how Thailand manages its natural resources, enforces the law, and protects the public’s right to access common spaces.

Our previous recent story:

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin and Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liangprasit led a joint operation with over 200 officers to reclaim Nui Beach in Phuket.

For years, disputes over beach access have surfaced across Thailand’s coastline. Questions of land ownership, blocked public pathways, and encroachment on forest reserves have raised concerns about whether citizens truly enjoy the right to use the nation’s beaches. Nui Beach has now become a focal point in this debate, testing the balance between conservation, legal enforcement, and public rights.

The intervention followed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to address encroachment on state land and restore public access to coastal areas. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin was dispatched to Phuket to oversee the removal of illegal structures, initiate land-use reviews, and ensure systematic restoration of the area. The move signals a stronger commitment to uphold the rule of law while reclaiming public spaces.

Legally, beaches and seas are public resources. In practice, however, access often depends on surrounding land status, public pathways, or overlapping jurisdiction between state agencies and private landholders. Resolving disputes requires careful investigation:

  • Is the land use legally authorized?
  • Has public access been unlawfully blocked?
  • Are private rights being respected alongside public rights?

The Nui Beach case is part of a wider government strategy: separating offenders from affected communities, enforcing laws fairly, and reclaiming encroached public land. Similar approaches have been applied to forest encroachment, resort construction in protected zones, and disputes over natural resource use. The principle is consistent, law enforcement must be impartial, and public rights must be safeguarded.

Thailand’s coastline stretches over 3,000 kilometers, dotted with world-renowned beaches. Managing these areas is not only about tourism promotion but also about ecological preservation, fair public access, and sustainable land use. If the Nui Beach initiative evolves into a systematic review of coastal management such as mapping boundaries, auditing land use, restoring damaged areas, and ensuring lawful public pathways, it could set a new national standard.

The government has framed Nui Beach as part of a broader “Phuket Model,” a pilot for coastal regulation that combines law enforcement, resource reclamation, and equal access. If successful, it may be expanded to other beaches facing similar conflicts, signaling a long-term shift in how Thailand governs its coastal resources.

Nui Beach is more than a reopened pathway to the sea. It represents Thailand’s attempt to strike a delicate balance: conserving ecosystems, enforcing laws, and protecting citizens’ rights. The ultimate measure of success will be whether beaches remain open, natural resources are preserved, and public access is guaranteed fairly and sustainably. If pursued transparently and consistently, Nui Beach could mark the beginning of a nationwide reform in coastal management.

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Phuket Express, owned by our parent company TPN media.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Pakistan defeat South Korea to clinch test series …

    ByJustpaste.in

      ISLAMABAD:Pakistan’s national hockey team continued its impressive run by defeating South Korea in the third match of the four-Test series, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead and sealing the series with one game still to be played. The third Test, played at the Nasir Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, turned out to be an exciting contest filled with momentum shifts, dramatic goals, and a spirited comeback by the home side. Pakistan displayed resilience and determination, recovering from two separate deficits before claiming a memorable victory in front of the home crowd. South Korea made the stronger start and took the lead in the opening quarter. Their early pressure paid off in the 11th minute, when Lim Deun found the back of the net with a well-taken goal, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Pakistan attempted to respond before the end of the first quarter but was unable to create a clear scoring opportunity. The second quarter saw Pakistan dominate possession and launch several attacks on the Korean goal. The hosts earned promising opportunities and repeatedly tested the opposition’s defence, but they failed to convert their chances into goals. South Korea remained organised at the back and successfully protected its narrow lead. As a result, neither side managed to score during the second quarter, and the visitors went into halftime leading 1-0. Pakistan finally restored parity in the third quarter when Hayat scored an important equaliser, lifting the spirits of both the players and the spectators. However, the celebrations were short-lived as South Korea responded quickly. Kim scored to put the visitors back in front, allowing Korea to end the third quarter with a 2-1 advantage. The fourth and final quarter produced the most thrilling action of the match, with a total of four goals scored. Pakistan came out with renewed energy and determination, pressing aggressively in search of another equaliser. Their persistence paid off as they erased South Korea’s lead and brought the match level once again. The visitors briefly regained the advantage by scoring another goal to make it 3-2 increasing the pressure on the Pakistani side. However, Pakistan refused to give up. During the final ten minutes, the home team produced an outstanding display of attacking hockey, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Pakistan’s relentless pressure eventually overwhelmed the Korean defence. The hosts not only equalised once more but also scored the decisive winning goal, completing a remarkable comeback. The Pakistani defence then held firm in the closing moments to preserve the lead until the final whistle, sealing another impressive victory. With this win, Pakistan secured a commanding 3-0 lead in the four-match Test series, ensuring the series title before the final fixture. The result reflects the team’s growing confidence and consistency, providing a major boost as it continues preparations for upcoming international competitions. Following the match, Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Wani distributed awards to the players in recognition of their performances. The ceremony was also attended by two legendary figures of Pakistan hockey, Olympians Samiullah and Hassan Sardar, who were present as special guests and applauded the team’s fighting spirit and successful series-winning performance.

  • | |

    Wanted terrorist commander killed in Bannu operati…

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANNU: A highly wanted terrorist commander carrying a bounty of Rs6 million has been killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu, police said on Thursday. The slain militant was identified as Naseer Muhammad, alias Geedarh, according to Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Furqan Bilal. The operation was jointly conducted by Bannu Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) following intelligence reports about the presence and movement of suspected terrorists in the area. Police said security teams launched targeted actions in Akbar Ali Khan Kili, Sada Khel, Sadarwan and surrounding areas under the supervision of DPO Bilal. Search and surveillance activities were also carried out during the operation. Security was strengthened in different parts of Bannu Township and areas falling within the Domel police jurisdiction. Authorities said further information about the operation and the identity and activities of the slain terrorist would be released after the operation was fully completed. The latest action is part of intensified counterterrorism operations in Bannu, where security forces have carried out several intelligence-based raids in recent weeks. On August 10, a joint operation in the Miryan area resulted in the killing of a suspected terrorist and the detention of eight others. District police, CTD, Elite Force and Pakistan Army personnel participated in that operation. According to police, the suspect killed during the August 10 operation was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device when security personnel intercepted him. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered. A similar operation was conducted in Bannu on July 20, when another suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained by a joint security team. The latest operation comes amid continued security concerns across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The province has witnessed a series of attacks targeting police, security personnel and public infrastructure in recent months. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station in Bannu using an explosives-laden vehicle before engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle. The attack left several police officers and civilians injured. Security officials have since increased surveillance and intelligence-based operations across sensitive areas of the district. Bannu and other parts of southern K-P have remained particularly vulnerable because of their proximity to the Afghan border and the continued threat posed by militant networks. The federal government has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks against Pakistan. The security situation has also resulted in increased operations targeting suspected militant hideouts, movement routes and support networks. Earlier incidents in Bannu included attacks on public infrastructure and attempts to damage key transport links through explosives.

  • |

    JICA delegation visits Literacy Centres in Lahore

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: A high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited Middle-Tech Literacy Centres in Lahore following an invitation from Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Syed Haider Iqbal. The delegation included JICA President Dr. Akihiro Tanaka, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Shuichi Akamatsu, and JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Yusuke Shinozaki. During the visit, the officials toured literacy centres in Fatah Garh and Tajpura, reviewed the facilities available to students, and observed the teaching and learning activities. The delegation also interacted with students and distributed gifts among them. JICA representatives further handed over Package E textbooks to students who had completed Package D, enabling them to continue their education and move on to the next stage of their learning journey. During the visit, Secretary Literacy Syed Haider Iqbal briefed the Japanese delegation on the department’s ongoing initiatives for non-formal education. He highlighted projects being implemented with JICA’s support, along with other programmes aimed at improving access to education for children and young people who remain outside the formal schooling system. The secretary also outlined the department’s future plans and targets for expanding literacy, strengthening non-formal education and promoting skills development across Punjab. The JICA delegation appreciated the efforts of the Literacy and Non-Formal Education Department to improve literacy rates and provide educational opportunities to underserved communities across the province. The officials also acknowledged the department’s efforts to equip learners with skills that can contribute to their personal development and future economic opportunities. The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation between the Literacy Department and JICA to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school children. Both sides discussed ways to enhance their partnership and explore further areas of collaboration to bring more children into the education system. The visit underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing educational challenges and expanding access to learning opportunities, particularly for children who have been unable to attend mainstream schools.

  • |

    Lahore receives heavy rain, three killed in roof c…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore experienced heavy monsoon rains on Saturday, with three people losing their lives and eight others injured in roof collapse incidents across the city. According to the Water and Sanitation Agency, the highest rainfall was recorded in Sagian at 143 millimetres, followed by Farrukhabad at 141 millimetres, Paniwala Talab at 129 millimetres, Airfield at 106 millimetres, and Lakshmi Chowk at 94 millimetres. The heavy downpour caused waterlogging in low-lying areas, including Davis Road, Shadman, Shah Jamal, and near the Governor’s House, disrupting traffic flow. WASA authorities reported that water had been drained from most low-lying areas, including Lawrence Road, Chowk Nakhuda, Waris Road, Zuhra Road, Naha Road, Karim Hala Ravi Road, Haji Camp, and GPO Chowk. Rescue officials confirmed that in Garhi Shahu Railway Colony, a roof collapse resulted in the deaths of Moin, his wife Noria, and their daughter Fatima, while their other daughter was injured. On Badian Road, a roof collapse injured Aslam, Ahsan, and Mumtaz. In Fibrozpur Road’s Shadab Colony, near Milad Chowk, four people were injured in another roof collapse and were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Lahore Electric Supply Company officials reported that 37 feeders were temporarily affected by the rain but have since been restored. The rain has brought relief to residents after a prolonged dry spell, but authorities remain on high alert to address any potential flooding or rain-related emergencies. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the coming days, urging citizens to stay updated with weather forecasts and follow official directives to ensure their safety during the monsoon season. The heavy rain has also impacted daily life, with many roads submerged and traffic at a standstill in several areas. The district administration has been working to clear waterlogged roads and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Emergency services have been put on high alert to respond to any rain-related incidents. The government has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions to protect themselves and their property. The rain, while welcome after a dry spell, has also highlighted the need for improved drainage systems and better urban planning to cope with the annual monsoon season. The authorities have urged citizens to report any waterlogging or emergency situations to the relevant authorities for prompt action. The situation remains under control, but the government continues to monitor the weather conditions and is prepared to respond to any challenges that may arise. The public is advised to remain cautious and follow official guidelines to ensure their safety during the monsoon season. The recent spell of rain serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for continued investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

  • | |

    Committee formed to investigate HIV Cases at Landh…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The authorities have established an inquiry committee to investigate the recent HIV cases reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, Karachi. The decision comes after concerns were raised following the confirmation of 10 HIV cases at the hospital, prompting officials to initiate a detailed investigation into the matter. According to an official notification, a five-member inquiry committee has been constituted under the leadership of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Naila Zaheer. The committee has been assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the reported HIV cases and identifying any possible shortcomings in hospital practices that may have contributed to the situation. As part of its mandate, the committee will verify the total number of HIV cases reported at the hospital. It will also confirm the identities of the affected patients and examine laboratory reports to ensure the accuracy of the diagnoses. This verification process is considered essential to establish the exact scope of the issue before any conclusions are drawn. The inquiry will also focus on identifying the possible sources of HIV transmission. Investigators will carefully review medical procedures carried out at the hospital, particularly the use of injections and disposable syringes. The committee will examine whether proper infection prevention and control protocols were followed and whether single-use syringes and other disposable medical equipment were used appropriately. Any evidence of negligence or unsafe medical practices will be documented as part of the investigation. In addition, the committee has been directed to investigate the procurement, availability, and utilization of medicines and disposable medical supplies within the hospital. This includes reviewing purchasing procedures, stock management, and the distribution of medical equipment to determine whether any irregularities or shortages may have affected patient safety. The notification further states that the committee will compile complete records of the affected children and their parents. This data collection aims to provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding each reported case and assist in determining whether there are any common factors linking the infections. The information gathered will also help health authorities provide appropriate medical care and follow-up support to the affected families. Another important responsibility assigned to the committee is identifying any individuals or departments found responsible for lapses in hospital procedures, if such lapses are confirmed during the inquiry. The final report will include recommendations aimed at improving hospital management, strengthening infection control measures, enhancing patient safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future. The formation of the inquiry committee reflects the authorities’ effort to thoroughly investigate the reported HIV cases and ensure transparency in the process. Health officials are expected to review the committee’s findings once the investigation is completed and take tappropriate action based on its recommendations. It is worth noting that 10 HIV cases have been reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, leading to growing public concern and the launch of this formal investigation. The outcome of the inquiry will play an important role in determining the cause of the reported infections and in reinforcing public confidence in healthcare services by ensuring accountability and improved safety standards.

  • | | |

    AJK polling underway at 23 atations in Bagh

    ByJustpaste.in

    BAGH: Voting is underway at 23 polling stations across two constituencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Bagh district, in a closely watched exercise following disputes and allegations of irregularities during the region’s phased elections. Polling began at 8am on Saturday and is scheduled to continue until 5pm, with authorities deploying additional security personnel to ensure voters can cast their ballots without fear or disruption. The polling is being held in LA-15 (Bagh Central) and LA-16 (Eastern Bagh), where voting could not take place at several stations during the third phase of the elections earlier this week. The AJK Election Commission subsequently withheld the results of both constituencies and ordered polling at the remaining stations. In LA-15, PPP candidate Sardar Ziaul Qamar had secured 16,637 votes in the stations where polling was held, followed by PML-N’s Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas with 15,015 votes. Jamaat-i-Islami candidate retired Brig Dr Muhammad Khan stood third with 12,259 votes. Meanwhile, the withheld result in LA-16 involves 14 polling stations with 7,238 registered voters. Results from the remaining stations had placed PML-N’s Sardar Mir Akbar in front with 19,515 votes, giving him a lead of 3,225 votes over PPP’s Sardar Qamaruz Zaman. The contest has remained tense, with candidates from all five parties accusing their rivals of large-scale rigging. Election authorities, however, have stressed that adequate security has been arranged. AJK Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said sufficient police and law-enforcement personnel had been deployed at polling stations to provide voters with a “fear-free environment”. The latest polling is part of an election process conducted in phases amid unrest and law-and-order concerns across the region. The third phase was initially planned for all 11 constituencies of Poonch Division but was limited to Bagh and Haveli districts after security concerns emerged. The Election Commission has already announced the result for LA-14 (Bagh-I), where Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party candidate Sajid Iqbal Abbasi won by a substantial margin. The election in neighbouring LA-17 (Haveli), however, has become the subject of a separate dispute after AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore was declared the winner. His PML-N rival, Engineer Mohsin Aziz, challenged the result, prompting the Election Commission to hear arguments from both sides. With voting now underway at the remaining 23 stations, attention is focused on turnout, security and whether the fresh polling will finally settle the disputed contests in Bagh.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *