Freedom Beach: demolition of structures has begun, what is known about access

Freedom Beach in Phuket has become the site of a demolition operation that began on November 8. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources of Thailand reports the move to demolition after earlier orders, but the completion of all work and the opening date for the shore have not yet been announced. For tourists, the key distinction remains the same: the forest department’s reference page lists free entry, but a temporary ban on entry and swimming has been published separately. So neither the start of demolition, nor the usual opening hours, nor information about the walking route and boat prices by itself means permission to go down to the water, arrive by sea, or relax on the beach. Current as of November 8, 2026.

What is known

According to the statement of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the operation has involved 350 staff, and the list includes 22 structures. The agency reports the start of demolition; there is no confirmation yet that all work has been completed.

After demolition, a tourist center is planned. No launch date has been given, so it cannot be treated as an operating facility.

If you are choosing another beach to relax on, see Phuket’s beaches. Check the conditions for visiting each place separately.

How the demolition deadlines changed

According to Houseviser, the July order covered 22 structures and gave a deadline of August 5 for voluntary demolition. The Phuket News (The Phuket News) later reported that the earlier requirement remained unfulfilled.

The October notices gave those responsible 15 days from October 9 to clear the site. The same publication reported the authorities’ intention to carry out forced demolition and recover costs from violators.

Now the authorities have moved to demolition. The earlier deadlines concern clearing the area, not opening the beach.

Freedom Beach: free entry and visiting restrictions

The forest department’s reference page lists free entry and no announced fee. However, the official notice on the temporary closure states a ban on entry and swimming.

It is easy to get confused here: free entry answers the question of payment, while the restriction concerns whether you can visit. The usual hours of 08.30–16.30 from the reference page do not cancel the ban.

The Mövenpick Myth Hotel Patong describes a fee of about 200 baht at the entrance gate to the walking route. This description of the practice does not establish the legality of the payment or ownership rights to the land; payment for boat transport also remains a separate service.

How to get there after visits are permitted

The walking route and boat trip can be considered after visits are permitted. Reference estimates from the sources vary:

• The Phuket guidebook gives 1,200–1,500 baht round trip.
• The Mövenpick Myth Hotel Patong gives about 1,500–2,000 baht for the boat, with the cost split between passengers.

These are reference figures without a confirmed current fare from the operator. Check the current cost after visits are permitted: the prices themselves do not confirm that transport is currently running.

Freedom Beach is marked on the map; for trip options, see the article “Transport in Phuket”. The map shows the location but does not permit visits.

What to do

• Observe the published ban on entry and swimming.
• Before your trip, check the official notice on access rules.
• Do not bypass the restriction by using another trail or by boat.

The Royal Forest Department links the review of reopening to safe weather, sea swell, and other conditions. The start of demolition, the map, and the reference schedule do not constitute permission to visit.

Access rules may change; before your trip, check the official notice from the Royal Forest Department.