SURAT THANI — Authorities have discovered multiple buildings constructed illegally within a national forest reserve on Koh Phangan, prompting the provincial governor to launch an investigation into foreign-owned nominee businesses accused of destroying the island’s natural resources.
A task force addressing illegal land encroachment and environmental destruction in the Fourth Army Region announced October 18 that inspections conducted in September revealed widespread environmental damage across the popular resort island. One development features a cluster of at least five buildings constructed inside the national forest reserve, violating the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964, according to aerial photography and GPS mapping.
Cleared Land Signals More Construction Ahead
Adjacent forested hillsides have been cleared and graded for vehicle access, with groundwater wells drilled and rocks strategically placed to prevent landslides—clear indicators of planned construction. Preliminary inspections found no evidence the land had been previously developed or used.
Authorities are now compiling evidence and cross-referencing map data before submitting their findings to Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supaviboonyaphon for legal action.
Locals Fear Foreign Dominance Through Nominee Schemes
The investigation coincides with mounting local concern that foreigners are gaining control of Koh Phangan through nominee arrangements—using Thai proxies to circumvent laws restricting foreign ownership of hotels, restaurants, and real estate. Residents worry these practices are squeezing out local businesses and eroding the island’s cultural identity while depleting natural resources.
Governor Theerut has ordered specialized task forces and relevant agencies to accelerate investigations into violations by foreign nationals and business groups, with particular focus on nominee operations, to safeguard natural resources and protect the local community’s livelihood.
Tourism Boom Brings Environmental Devastation
While Koh Phangan draws millions of tourists annually, the rapid expansion of accommodations and commercial ventures has triggered severe environmental degradation. Luxury buildings and villas have mushroomed across elevated terrain and forested hillsides, particularly in areas encroaching on forest reserves and national park boundaries.
Complaints allege foreign groups are systematically using Thai nominees to purchase prime beachfront and hillside properties, then clearing vegetation and erecting illegal structures—damaging ecosystems, degrading coral reefs, and overwhelming the island’s waste management and wastewater treatment capacity.
The crackdown represents broader efforts to combat illegal development and nominee schemes threatening Thailand’s protected natural areas and coastal communities.
__________