BANGKOK, Oct 20 — Thai authorities have launched an investigation into a series of illegal developments on Koh Phangan after several buildings were found inside a protected national forest reserve, raising alarm over alleged foreign-backed nominee businesses accused of degrading the island’s environment.
According to Khaosod English, a task force tackling land encroachment and environmental crimes in the Fourth Army Region revealed on Saturday that inspections conducted in September uncovered extensive forest damage.
Aerial photography and GPS mapping showed at least five buildings built inside the national forest reserve, in violation of the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964.
Cleared and graded hillsides, newly drilled groundwater wells and landslide barriers indicated that more construction was likely planned, the task force said. Preliminary checks showed no prior evidence that the land had been legally developed or used.
Officials are now compiling evidence and verifying map data before submitting their findings to Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supaviboonyaphon for legal proceedings.
Theerut said he had instructed special 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.”
The probe follows growing concern among residents that foreigners are increasingly controlling Koh Phangan’s hotels, restaurants and real estate through nominee arrangements — Thai proxies used to sidestep laws restricting foreign ownership.
Locals fear these practices are driving out small businesses, eroding the island’s cultural identity and fuelling environmental loss.
A lush island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is part of Surat Thani province and sits between the better-known Koh Samui and the diving haven of Koh Tao.
Long famous for its Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, the island has in recent years drawn investors seeking to tap into its booming tourism and wellness market.
But rapid, unregulated development has strained its natural resources and fragile ecosystems.
Despite its popularity as a tropical getaway, Koh Phangan’s tourism boom has come at a steep cost.
Rapid resort expansion and hillside construction have worsened deforestation, coral reef damage and waste problems.
Complaints have mounted that foreign groups are clearing vegetation and building luxury villas on protected land, pushing the island’s ecosystem to breaking point.