Hua Hin waterfront demolition paused after rights commission request
Planned clearance work along Hua Hin’s waterfront did not go ahead on Friday, 16 October, after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asked the municipality to delay demolition while it examines residents’ complaints.
Work had been expected to begin on vacant plots and premises between Hua Hin Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine, including the removal of building extensions projecting into the sea, non-residential sections and signs. No demolition took place on Friday.
Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said the municipality received the commission’s letter on Thursday afternoon. Contractors, heavy machinery and nearly 100 police officers had been ready for the operation, but officials agreed to allow time for discussions with the NHRC.
“Seeing that this is not too long of a delay, we will wait until October 22 to hold discussions with them,” he told reporters before Friday’s waterfront inspection.
An urgent meeting took place at 9am in the Naresdamri meeting room at Hua Hin Municipal Office. Hua Hin Assistant District Chief Kiatphong Phonsuwan chaired the meeting, which the mayor also attended.
Those present included municipal executives, the municipal council chairman, councillors, the acting municipal clerk and department heads.
Representatives also attended from the Hua Hin branch of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Public Prosecutor’s Office for Rights Protection, Legal Aid and Enforcement; Hua Hin Police; the Prachuap Khiri Khan Land Office; and the provincial Internal Security Operations Command.
Other agencies represented were National Telecom Public Company Limited, the Provincial Electricity Authority’s Hua Hin branch, the Hua Hin branch of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Legal Execution Office and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Marine Office.
The NHRC’s letter, marked “most urgent” and dated 12 October, was signed by its deputy secretary-general on behalf of the secretary-general. It requested that enforced demolition and evictions be postponed until the commission completes its investigation.
The complaint raised concerns that residents of the longstanding fishing community could lose their homes and places of work without adequate assistance or alternative arrangements.
The commission said the case involved community rights, property rights and the right to housing, and could cause serious harm to those affected.
Commission to inspect waterfront and hear both sides
According to the mayor, NHRC representatives will inspect the waterfront on 21 October and speak with the 19 residents who submitted complaints.
They will then meet municipal officials at 9.30am on 22 October in the Naresdamri meeting room. A separate session with residents is scheduled for that afternoon.
Ahead of those discussions, the municipality’s Legal Affairs Division, under the Office of the Municipal Clerk, will prepare a written explanation of the facts, legal provisions and relevant court judgments. The information will be provided to the commission before the meeting.
Mayor Nopporn maintained that the Supreme Administrative Court had already upheld the municipality’s demolition orders. He said municipal officials questioned whether the NHRC had authority to intervene at this stage but agreed to the short delay to explain the legal background and their actions.
“I am confident that once the NHRC reviews the information from both sides, they will understand that the municipality has acted strictly according to the law,” he said.
After Friday’s meeting, officials visited the waterfront after 10am to inspect the affected properties, take photographs and record their current condition.
“We are documenting details across all 15 properties. Two parties previously stated their intent to comply, so we are checking if they have taken steps toward demolition,” Mayor Nopporn said.
Officials would also check whether any of the other 13 parties wished to change their previously stated positions.
“Documenting these details today will provide supporting evidence for relevant agencies to proceed legally going forward,” he said.
The municipality said the agencies involved would follow legal procedures, taking account of the facts and exercising care in carrying out their duties.