Work to remove waterfront buildings along Hua Hin beach is set to begin on Friday, 16 October, with the initial demolition expected to focus on buildings and plots that have already been vacated.
The operation covers the stretch between the Fishing Pier and the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine. Contractors will begin with structures and sections that can be removed without affecting residents, including extensions projecting into the sea, non-residential sections and signs.
The approach was agreed at a meeting on Wednesday, 14 October, attended by Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul and chaired by Hua Hin Assistant District Chief Kiatphong Phonsuwan.
Municipal officials met representatives from police, legal and land agencies, utility providers and the Marine Department to coordinate the work. It follows a final Supreme Administrative Court ruling requiring the beach land to be returned to public use.
The municipality has appointed a private contractor to complete the demolition under a 120-day contract running from 25 September 2026 to 22 January 2027.
Hua Hin waterfront demolition timetable
Officials outlined the following schedule:
- 16 October: Begin removing extensions projecting into the sea and signs, focusing on non-residential sections and areas already vacated.
- 22 October: Conduct the final planned site visit and prepare to proceed with demolition of the remaining buildings.
- 29 October: Suspend water and electricity supplies to the affected buildings. The Provincial Electricity Authority and the municipality’s Waterworks Division will survey the properties and notify owners before disconnection.
- Securing the area: Install concrete markers to define the demolition boundary and prevent unauthorised access and occupation.
Officials have been visiting the area since 25 September to post notices, explain the timetable and inform owners about the enforcement process. The October schedule follows a site operation on 9 October, when Mr Nopporn led around 100 officials to the waterfront.
Court rulings behind the demolition
The current operation concerns 15 beachfront buildings. Mr Nopporn said two owners had expressed their intention to demolish their buildings themselves.
The mayor said enforcement would proceed gradually, beginning with less stringent measures. Officials would avoid confrontation with residents, although police could take legal action against anyone directly obstructing the work.
The dispute dates back to a final Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ordering the removal of buildings occupying public land in cases involving 40 owners.
According to Mr Nopporn, 14 owners complied, while the remaining 26 challenged the municipality’s orders prohibiting the use of their buildings. The Supreme Administrative Court subsequently dismissed those challenges. Applications for temporary protection were also rejected, he said.
The mayor said the court decisions required the municipality to enforce its building-use prohibition and demolition orders.
A further 11 encroaching buildings fall under the Marine Department’s responsibility. Discussions are continuing between the department and the municipality over funding and coordination for their removal.