A Koh Chang business operator has petitioned the Interior Ministry’s Damrongdharma Centre, seeking intervention to demolish two large concrete jetties he claims are causing severe coastal erosion. Kitti Yimrewat, the petitioner, says the structures—operated by a resort—have worsened environmental degradation along the island’s shoreline.
Kitti has voiced frustration over the delays, noting that although the resort was initially given a 180-day deadline to remove the jetties, authorities have granted the operators an additional 150 days, extending the deadline to February 18. Kitti fears these delays will further aggravate erosion and wants the demolition completed without further extensions.
Some legal advisers have suggested that Kitti could pursue the matter in the Administrative Court. However, concerned with the lengthy legal process, which could take up to a year, Kitti opted to approach the Damrongdharma Centre’s local office for more immediate action.
The jetties in question are operated by the Koh Chang Grand View Resort. According to Phira Iam-sunthon, deputy governor of Trat, the resort has cited logistical challenges in dismantling the structures as the reason for requesting additional time. The Marine Department, which oversees coastal matters, granted the 150-day extension despite the resort’s request for 180 more days.
Phira added that if the resort fails to meet the February deadline, authorities will pursue civil litigation to seek compensation for the environmental damage caused by the jetties. The structures, classified as unauthorized construction, are said to be worsening erosion along nearby shores, impacting the local environment and threatening future coastal stability
