Hua Hin Municipality is considering recreation and exercise areas, parking and a wider road for the Hua Hin waterfront, where demolition is scheduled to begin on Friday, 25 September.
Future development plans have not been confirmed. Public consultation and input from stakeholders would be required to determine how the area should be developed.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, 18 September, Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul outlined the municipality’s initial proposals, which also include space for tourism promotion activities.
The proposals concern the stretch of waterfront between the fishing pier and Thap Thim Shrine, where buildings currently include restaurants, cafés, accommodation and homes.
Mayor Nopporn said demolition of 15 buildings was scheduled to begin on 25 September, following a dispute that has lasted more than 20 years. The work is expected to take 120 days, although the timetable could be adjusted according to site conditions and progress.
Demolition of another 11 buildings, for which the Marine Department is responsible for funding, could face delays while central government budget approval is pending. The municipality will write to the department again to seek clarification.
The mayor said the demolition would follow legal procedures and that explanations would be provided to those involved. If the work could not proceed, the matter would be referred to the court for further consideration.
Meanwhile, residents and building owners have called for demolition to be postponed while their land ownership claims are examined.
Speaking to the media, they described the community’s origins in fishing and how their livelihoods had changed as the area developed.
Following the posting of demolition notices, the group submitted a letter to the mayor requesting a delay. They also asked for a committee to assess the impact and hardship facing residents, and a meeting with the municipality to seek a joint solution.