Phuket's Big Buddha Foundation Accused of Land Encroachment

[snoop1130]

 

The Phuket Big Buddha Foundation faces serious allegations from the Forest Department involving land encroachment, after a tragic mudslide last week at Khao Nak Kerd claimed 13 lives, mostly Myanmar nationals.

 

Officials from various local authorities, including the Forest Department and Phuket Buddhism Office, recently inspected the Big Buddha site to ascertain if it complied with the 2.4-hectare land limit established by the Forest Department. Using GPS technology, they discovered the site extends over 3.2 hectares, far exceeding the permitted area. This extra space reportedly accommodates parking, restrooms, and other amenities.

 

 

 

 

The excess land use and unauthorised constructions at the site have drawn suspicions that they might have worsened the devastating mudslide, which was triggered by heavy rains. The Big Buddha, standing 45 metres tall and adorned in Burmese white marble, is one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks. However, this controversy now threatens its esteemed status.

 

The Forest Department's complaint casts doubt on the foundation’s compliance with regulations and raises broader concerns about its environmental impact. The Foundation's chairman is now under intense scrutiny, as local and national authorities investigate the matter further.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-28

 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Officials from various local authorities, including the Forest Department and Phuket Buddhism Office, recently inspected the Big Buddha site to ascertain if it complied with the 2.4-hectare land limit established by the Forest Department. Using GPS technology, they discovered the site extends over 3.2 hectares, far exceeding the permitted area. This extra space reportedly accommodates parking, restrooms, and other amenities.

Why are these checks only ever done post building/construction.

Does Thailand ever have stage site checks by inspectors during the process?

[brianthainess]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Phuket Big Buddha Foundation faces serious allegations from the Forest Department involving land encroachment,

I would also check the money trail, ( I presume you have to pay to go in ? ). 

 'Most' Foundations aka Charites I don't trust, with the 'donations' given to them, paying huge wages to themselves, and live in luxury accommodation, even the Trash Hero's, dog rescue places, and Elephant camps,  ( like the Swiss man paying 1m a month rent.) I know there are many that do real good and benefit the HUMANS they are aimed at. 

[john donson]

religion, all about money

[Baz Erckens]

1 hour ago, brianthainess said:

I would also check the money trail, ( I presume you have to pay to go in ? ). 

 'Most' Foundations aka Charites I don't trust, with the 'donations' given to them, paying huge wages to themselves, and live in luxury accommodation, even the Trash Hero's, dog rescue places, and Elephant camps,  ( like the Swiss man paying 1m a month rent.) I know there are many that do real good and benefit the HUMANS they are aimed at. 

It is free. However, This site has nothing to do with spiritualism etc. It is a pure money making machine, and managed extremely bad as such. It is an iconic site on Phuket, for sure rakes in a lot of money through taxi mafia comssions, souvenirs and buddha related merchendise and they still can not finish the construiction which is ongoing for over a decade.

[MalcolmB]

Will Buddha stay for the court case?

 

Or flee to Dubai?