Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul has signed an agreement to address beach encroachment near the 16th hole of Suan Son Golf Course.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on Wednesday, 23 September, at the Suan Son Pradiphat Army Sports Development Centre. It aims to improve the management of public beach space, restore the beachfront’s appearance and protect the marine environment.
The signing comes two days before demolition work is scheduled to begin on a separate stretch of Hua Hin’s waterfront, between the Fishing Pier and Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine, on Friday, 25 September.
Those taking part in the signing included General Thiwa Sutthikulsombat, director of the Suan Son Pradiphat Army Sports Development Centre; Chatchai Wetchasan, director of the Prachuap Khiri Khan branch of the Regional Marine Office; and business operator Jirayu Phuengcho.
The centre said the agreement prioritised public interests and compliance with laws governing beach use. It also seeks to establish a systematic approach to preventing and addressing beach encroachment.
Hua Hin waterfront demolition set for Friday
Along Hua Hin’s central waterfront, the planned demolition is the latest stage in a dispute dating back at least to 2002. It concerns homes, seafood restaurants, guesthouses and other buildings along a roughly 400-metre stretch of beachfront, with some structures extending over the sea.
According to the municipal demolition notice, the building it covers stands on state-owned public land designated for common use. Its owner challenged orders prohibiting the building’s use and requiring its demolition, but the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed the claims. Those judgments are final.
The notice cites Section 43(2) of the Building Control Act as the basis for the municipality to carry out the demolition itself. It also states that construction materials and belongings removed during the work will be seized and stored, or sold with the proceeds retained by the municipality.
Residents and owners have disputed the authorities’ position for years. Some say their families were part of Hua Hin’s original fishing community and occupied the waterfront before the town developed as a resort.
They have cited old property records, tax receipts, permits and previous official recognition to support their right to remain. However, not all occupants have formal title deeds for land on the seaward side of the road.
Hua Hin Today understands that some businesses in the waterfront buildings have already closed and are due to relocate elsewhere in Hua Hin.