On July 30, 2024, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, the Mayor of Hua Hin, chaired a meeting to address the encroachment issues along the Khao Takiab Canal.
The meeting, held at the Naredamri Room in the Hua Hin Municipality Office, included officials such as Ms. Phailin Kongpan, Ms. Bussaba Choksuchat, and Mr. Atichat Chaisri, Deputy Mayors; municipal council members; the Director of the Engineering Office; legal officers; and the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Also in attendance were Ms. Areerat Juikhok, Senior Transport Specialist and Acting Director of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Regional Marine Office, Mr. Kitisak Bualad, Hua Hin District Fisheries Officer, representatives from the Director of the Phetchaburi Branch Forest Resource Management Office 10, and members of the Khao Takiab fishing community.
The focus of the meeting was to address the illegal structures erected along the Khao Takiab Canal. The Prachuap Khiri Khan Regional Marine Office had previously mandated the dismantling of these structures by June 30, 2024, following complaints from landowners. Both the Marine Office and Hua Hin Municipality were required to take action against these encroachments, leading to an order to dismantle over 30 structures.
A preliminary conclusion from the meeting was that Hua Hin Municipality would send a letter to the Marine Office seeking permission to construct a public pier in the Khao Takiab Canal area for community use. During the process of obtaining permission, allocating budget, and constructing the pier, an extension for the dismantling deadline was requested. This extension would allow the fishing community, now reduced to about 20 members, to continue using the existing structures for their livelihood. The decision on granting permission will be made once the letter reaches the Prachuap Khiri Khan Regional Marine Office.
According to the Marine Department’s plan, dismantling must be completed within the fiscal year 2025, as budget allocation is already planned, and the contractor selection process is underway. Owners or occupiers can dismantle the structures immediately, but if they fail to do so before the contractor starts, they will be liable for the dismantling costs as per the law.
Additionally, Hua Hin Municipality will request permission from the Department of Forestry to use the Khao Takiab area under the Forest Act of 1941 to provide access to the proposed public pier.