Authorities have charged operators of resorts and piers on Koh Samet island, Rayong province, with encroaching on forests.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conversation, led by its chief, took 150 officials and soldiers to the well-known eastern resort island on Tuesday to take legal action against the operators of 10 piers and several resorts that encroached on 33 rai of land (52,800 square metres) which is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. The targeted resorts are near the Ao Kiu Na Nai bay in the southern part of the island.
Leading the force, Thanya Netithammakun, director-general of the department, said the encroached area had been a pristine forest according to satellite photos taken in 2002 and 15 resort buildings were later constructed there.
Among the resorts facing legal action were Pandora Resort, Ban Chom Resort, Samed Club Resort, Samed Cliff Resort and Samed Tree Resort.
The department would file civil lawsuits against the operators to demand compensation and take legal action against any government officials involved in the encroachment, Mr Thanya said.
He hoped the buildings would be removed to pave the way for reforestation.