Legal action has been taken against businesses in Koh Lan for encroaching on forest land, confirmed by city officials. This is a major issue for the popular tourist destination, with illegal land acquisition causing difficulties for residents and authorities alike. #KohLan #Tourism #IllegalLandAcquisition #EnvironmentalProtection #SustainableTourism
Legal Complaint Filed Against Businesses
Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai of Pattaya City has reported that a legal complaint has been filed against a group of businesses for allegedly encroaching on forest land on Koh Lan. The issue came to light after a local non-governmental organization alerted the office regarding the alleged encroachment of an area near Sangwan beach.
Upon investigation, city officials confirmed that about 10 rai of forest land had been encroached upon. Consequently, Pattaya City has directed its legal department to forward the survey findings to the Royal Forest Department for further action. Local police have also received a legal complaint against the involved parties, who were issued a notice to immediately halt the encroachment.
Koh Lan’s Tourism Boom
Koh Lan, a popular island near Pattaya, is a favorite destination for tourists from China, Russia, and India. The island sees a daily influx of up to 10,000 visitors. Illegal land acquisition has become a significant issue on the island, as tourism businesses seek large tracts of land for commercial development.
Despite having seven beaches, including Hat Sangwan, the island faces overcrowding issues, especially with tourists. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai also noted longstanding problems with issuing title deeds and other ownership documents.
Baan Koh Lan Community’s Struggles
Residents of the Baan Koh Lan community live on the island, making their living from farming and fishing. However, many of these residents lack land ownership documents and have urged authorities to address the land ownership issue.
As the administration of the island has transitioned from the Chon Buri provincial office to Pattaya City, the office now acts as a mediator in the land ownership disputes between residents and the authorities. This ongoing struggle has led to a complex situation, with local authorities trying to balance sustainable development and land protection while addressing the needs of the local community and businesses involved in the booming tourism industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current legal action taken against businesses in Koh Lan?
Legal action has been taken against a group of businesses in Koh Lan for allegedly encroaching on forest land. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai of Pattaya City has reported that a legal complaint has been filed, and the city’s legal department has forwarded the survey findings to the Royal Forest Department for further action. Local police have also received a legal complaint against the involved parties.
2. What challenges does Koh Lan face due to its tourism boom?
Koh Lan, a popular island destination near Pattaya, faces significant challenges due to its tourism boom. Illegal land acquisition has become a major issue on the island, with tourism businesses seeking large tracts of land for commercial development. The island also faces overcrowding issues, with a daily influx of up to 10,000 visitors. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai has noted ongoing problems with issuing title deeds and other ownership documents.
3. How is the Baan Koh Lan community affected by the land disputes?
Residents of the Baan Koh Lan community, who make their living from farming and fishing, have been struggling due to the land ownership disputes on the island. Many residents lack land ownership documents and have urged authorities to address the issue. Pattaya City’s office, acting as a mediator in the disputes, is trying to balance sustainable development and land protection, addressing the needs of both the local community and the businesses involved in the booming tourism industry.
