Roadside stalls near Big Buddha face shutdown as land checks widen
The Big Buddha area is no longer just about the hilltop site: land checks have moved down to the road corridor that serves one of Phuket’s most visible landmarks.
What is happening
After the landmark reopened in March under strict conditions, the probe around the forest land did not stop at the temple complex. It has continued to spread into businesses along the access road from Chalong.
For locals, that means a familiar tourist corridor may now face closures, removals or access changes if parts of the roadside area are found to sit on disputed land.
Why it matters now
Big Buddha is not a standalone attraction. It is a transport and visitor hub used by taxis, minibuses, scooters, pilgrims and tourists. When enforcement widens, the first effects are usually on parking, stopping points, turning space and the shops that depend on passing traffic.
For residents in Chalong, Kata and Karon, it can also mean slower roads, temporary barriers and detours.
What is already clear
The Big Buddha site reopened on 3 March 2026 under Wat Kittisangharam and under forest-department conditions. Other parts of the hill remain under review, which is why the latest phase is broader than the statue itself.
Practical takeaway
- Allow extra time if you are heading to Big Buddha.
- Do not rely on the same parking or roadside stops.
- Expect route changes around Chalong.
