Tourism
Minister of Natural Resources Advances 'Phuket Model' Land Inspections
Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered a comprehensive inspection of 40 additional sites across Phuket and is pushing for the designation of Nui Beach as a recreational forest.
According to a report by Thai Post on August 5, 2026, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has reaffirmed his commitment to the 'Phuket Model' policy. The initiative involves a systematic, island-wide inspection of land usage, with authorities now targeting 40 additional locations across Phuket to ensure compliance with environmental and land regulations.
In addition to these inspections, the Ministry is accelerating efforts to officially designate Nui Beach as a recreational forest. The stated goal of this move is to ensure that the public can access and utilize the area for recreational purposes.
For residents and travelers, these developments are significant as they signal a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny regarding land use on the island. While the inspections aim to clarify land status and improve public access to coastal areas, the immediate impact on specific tourist sites or private properties remains to be seen. Travelers should be aware that ongoing government activity may lead to temporary access restrictions or changes in the management of certain coastal zones. It remains to be confirmed how quickly the Nui Beach designation will be finalized and what specific regulations will govern the newly inspected sites once the assessment process concludes.