Illegal Resort Construction Halted on Koh Samui

[webfact]

 

In a decisive crackdown on building regulation violations, Thai police have brought a screeching halt to the construction of a luxury resort on the scenic island of Koh Samui. The halted project, known as the Anju Cement Project, sparked controversy due to its breach of multiple building codes.

 

The investigation into the project began after local authorities received several complaints from residents about the suspicious construction activities.

 

Led by Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, a joint team comprising police officers and municipal engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the site located in the Maret area of the island. The inspection revealed startling violations, including structures that significantly exceeded the permitted height of 6 metres.

 

The site, intended to hold 34 separate houses as per the original plan, was instead being modified into interconnected buildings, deviating widely from approved blueprints. This led to immediate municipal action, with an issued demolition order targeting the unlawfully constructed parts of the resort.

 

The backstory of the project adds layers to the current situation. Acquired by a Chinese investor group in 2018, the 10 rai plot had seen rapid development until these breaches were unearthed. No workers were present at the time of the inspection, suggesting a temporary halt by the developers, likely aware of the impending official review.

 

Response from the construction team was one of apparent surprise, claiming ignorance of the violations. They've agreed to comply with the stop order and revise the construction plans in accordance with legal requirements.

 

Meanwhile, the Koh Samui municipal authorities lodged a formal complaint with Bo Phut Police Station, accusing the project of not only flouting building laws but also proceeding without proper authorizations.

 

The case has now attracted the attention of the Environmental Crime Division (ECD), which is stepping in to further investigate and hold responsible parties accountable. 

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-07-15

 

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[OneMoreFarang]

Only well-connected people would think they can get away with that. Follow the money! 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Acquired by a Chinese investor group in 2018, the 10 rai plot had seen rapid development until these breaches were unearthed.

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Response from the construction team was one of apparent surprise, claiming ignorance of the violations.

Surprise surprise..

[thaibeachlovers]

Demolition? More like it'll be a Bali Hi repeat, loitering on till enough money is paid under the table to allow it to proceed, or it becomes an eyesore.

[zepplin]

I live within 500 m of it , it’s an eyesore, there is 1 narrow road up to the villas, the concrete truck drivers love to honk their horns 50 times every time they go up there, it’s been inspected several times, and work Hasn’t stopped, I’m guessing the brown envelopes are huge! 
Demolition order, bhaaaaaaaaaaaa, never ever happen!

[rwill]

A good rainy season and it will probably come down on its own.

[PETERTHEEATER]

A prestigious address. 'The Anju Cement Project'

Those top floor pools are an accident waiting to happen!

[ChrisY1]

Bo authorities knew of this project for 2-3 year's...FFS, just shows how bad is corruption here that this gets built to this stage.....probably occupied also!

[Tropicalevo]

2 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

Bo authorities knew of this project for 2-3 year's...FFS, just shows how bad is corruption here that this gets built to this stage.....probably occupied also!

The lower properties are complete and have been rented out with some reviews (false?) of the place.

The Thaiger gives a bit more detail.

 

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/authorities-halt-illegal-resort-project-on-koh-samui

[rocketboy2]

Must have been a whole train load of wheels greased for that .

Oops must have missed a payment or two.

 

 Oh dear,  how sad,  never mind.

 

 

 

[animalmagic]

4 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Only well-connected people would think they can get away with that. Follow the money! 

Follow the money?  They are probably the ones collecting it!

[ronster]

1 hour ago, zepplin said:

I live within 500 m of it , it’s an eyesore, there is 1 narrow road up to the villas, the concrete truck drivers love to honk their horns 50 times every time they go up there, it’s been inspected several times, and work Hasn’t stopped, I’m guessing the brown envelopes are huge! 
Demolition order, bhaaaaaaaaaaaa, never ever happen!

Same as the ones above bophut temple that were on the news last year getting busted. They stopped getting built for a few months then started again and now even more built .

Construction has ruined samui compared to what it was and there seems no end to it unfortunately 😕 

[watchcat]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai police have brought a screeching halt to the construction of a luxury resort

 

Where is the so called luxury resort, I cant see it.

[ikke1959]

They found out after a few years that it is not correct what they are building??? Sleeping or envelopes?? I bet the last one and who is now not paid anymore or jealous that he did not get anything?? Find it out and see who is responsible for all this waste

[billd766]

From the photo, it looks to me like a very expensive slum overdevelopment.

[john donson]

demolition on paper only, then magically switch owner...any general interested in a free villa?