Hua Hin beachfront demolitions are set to proceed under the existing timetable following a meeting on Thursday, 22 October, at which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it would not interfere with the court ruling.
Water and electricity supplies are scheduled to be disconnected on 29 October. Plans also include installing concrete barriers to prevent the area from being reoccupied.
Speaking after the meeting, National Human Rights Commissioner Sayamol Kaiyoorawong said the municipality could continue implementing the demolition order while the commission examined enforcement procedures and protections for affected residents.
“The municipality may proceed according to the Administrative Court’s ruling, as the NHRC does not interfere with court orders,” she said.
“However, the reason I arranged to speak with the petitioners, the municipality and provincial authorities is to allow those whose rights are affected to participate in joint consultations during the demolition process, avoiding conflict.”
Thursday’s meeting followed the postponement of demolition work planned for 16 October, after the NHRC requested a delay pending discussions with the municipality.
Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Governor Phanphat Sitthisak and representatives of relevant agencies attended the meeting at the municipal offices.
The discussions concerned buildings between Hua Hin Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine, covering 15 cases under municipal jurisdiction, alongside resorts, accommodation establishments and restaurants in areas overseen by the Marine Department.
NHRC to examine demolition procedures
Sayamol explained that the commission’s involvement concerned how state agencies implemented court orders, rather than reconsidering matters already decided by the court.
“For example, when the Administrative Court orders the demolition of a building, we verify whether state officials have adhered to the administrative court procedure, such as issuing written warnings and posting public notices within 90 days so affected individuals are informed of the process,” she said.
The municipality and Marine Department had provided information on the procedures they followed, which the commission would assess.
“This is the aspect we can review; it is not the same matter already ruled on by the court,” she said.
Sayamol said further discussions with the complainants, deputy governor and mayor would address the demolition process and possible assistance.
“Protecting rights means the state executes the law, but while executing the law, it must also safeguard human rights,” she said.
“We apply the principle of joint consultation so that the affected petitioners understand the legal steps. Once understood, we will discuss how to move forward collaboratively.”
Deputy governor says agencies followed procedures
Phanphat said the agencies involved had explained their actions during the meeting.
“To briefly summarise, the relevant government agencies have proceeded and complied with the procedures mandated by applicable laws,” he said.
“During the earlier briefing from various departments, the summary is that there is no indication that any department acted improperly or deviated from official governmental rules and regulations.”
He said this assessment had been reported to the human rights commissioner.
The closed-door meeting also covered the history of land occupation, residents’ homes and livelihoods, possible grounds for reviewing or delaying enforcement, alternative accommodation, relocation costs and assistance or compensation under relevant regulations.
The NHRC received complaints from 19 people who said they were affected by demolition orders and instructions to leave land they had occupied and used for many years. A separate meeting with those residents was scheduled for 2pm on Thursday.
After the morning meeting, Sompong Chitbonnawit and a delegation submitted a letter to Sayamol expressing support for returning the beachfront public land to shared use and supporting tourism.