Paradise Under Pressure: Encroachment and Reform building in Thailand?

 

Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural charm continue to draw millions—but beneath the surface, a series of systemic issues are testing the country’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and land reform.

Banana Beach and the Encroachment Crisis

Banana Beach in Phuket, once a hidden gem, is now under scrutiny for illegal land encroachment and a resort trying to block access to turn it into a private beach. Makeshift restaurants and massage huts have appeared on public coastal land, sparking investigations. Similar crackdowns are underway at Freedom Beach and Bangtao, where resorts have obstructed public access and violated conservation laws.

The issue reflects a broader pattern: national parks are under pressure from developers. The controversial Thap Lan boundary adjustment could hand over 400 sq km of protected forest to private interests, undermining Thailand’s World Heritage commitments.

Golf Club Runway and Political Privilege

A private runway at Rancho Charnvee Resort, owned by the family of former Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul, is also under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The airstrip allegedly overlaps a public road in Nakhon Ratchasima, raising concerns about land title manipulation, aviation safety, and political interference.

The resort insists all permits are valid, but aerial photos and missing construction records suggest otherwise. The case has become a flashpoint in the feud between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, with calls for anti-corruption probes and land reform.

Judges’ Homes in Sacred Forests

The now-demolished judicial housing complex on Doi Suthep sparked one of Chiang Mai’s largest protests. Built adjacent to a national park, the project was seen as a violation of sacred land and a symbol of judicial elitism. Despite receiving an architectural award, the complex was abandoned after public outcry, but its legacy remains a cautionary tale about unchecked development.

State Audit Office and Shoddy Oversight

The State Audit Office of Thailand, tasked with financial oversight, has faced criticism for inadequate enforcement and conflicts of interest. In March 2025, its own new headquarters was the only BKK building to collapse during an earthquake—raising questions about construction standards, contractor vetting, and public procurement transparency.

23 contactors and officials now held awaiting trial for construction negligence in what looks to be Thailand's Grenfell scandal.

Despite its mandate to audit megaprojects, the office has struggled to hold agencies accountable for repeated failures, including those on Rama II Road.

Rama II Road: A Highway of Hazards

The Rama II expressway project, linking Bangkok to the south, has become infamous for 2,500+ construction accidents, 143 deaths(!), and chronic delays. Contractors like Italian-Thai Development (ITD) have faced scrutiny for collapsed beams, unsafe work zones, and poor drainage, yet continue to receive state contracts.

The Prime Minister has threatened to downgrade contractors, but critics say enforcement remains weak and reactive.

Scala Cinema and the Death of Heritage

While the demolition of Scala Cinema, Bangkok’s last stand-alone movie theatre, marked a cultural loss. Despite its Art Deco architecture and conservation awards, the building was razed in 2021 to make way for another shopping mall. The move sparked outrage over Chulalongkorn University’s land policies and Thailand’s failure to protect modern heritage.

Reform or Retreat?

From dual pricing for Thai/foreigners at BTS stations and tourist attractions to the dissolution of reformist parties, Thailand’s reform agenda faces resistance. The Move Forward Party was dissolved for challenging royal defamation laws, and constitutional amendments have stalled amid political walkouts.

Whether it’s protecting Banana Beach or preserving Scala, the path forward demands more than cosmetic fixes. It requires a commitment to public interest over private gain, and a system that listens—not silences.

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