Pictures courtesy of Matichon

The mayor of Ang Sila municipality has ordered the immediate closure of a pool villa after officials found it had been built encroaching into the sea and was operating without proper authorisation, directly affecting its ability to accept guests during the New Year period. The action halts all use of the property, which had been marketed online as a high-end seaside retreat costing tens of thousands of baht per night.

The order was issued on 30 December 2025 by Mr Winai Phonphaiphan, Mayor of Ang Sila Municipality in Mueang district, Chonburi province, following complaints from local residents. The complaints alleged that a pool villa located in Moo 3, Ang Sila subdistrict, had been constructed illegally, extending into the marine area and opening for business without the required permits.

According to Mr Winai, a site inspection confirmed that the building had been modified, with new areas erected without approval under building control laws. Municipal officials subsequently posted a formal notice prohibiting use of the structure in order to protect Ang Sila’s marine environment. He said the municipality had attempted to engage with the operator to encourage compliance with legal requirements and proper procedures.

Mr Winai added that the municipality had coordinated with the Chonburi Regional Harbour Office, instructing the operator to submit an application for repair or modification. Registered applicants must provide documentation showing permission to construct structures encroaching into waterways, as required by law. He explained that the site was formerly a jellyfish processing factory that had later been converted into a restaurant, before being extended into a pool villa, raising concerns that the original structure might not be able to bear the additional weight and could pose a safety risk.

The mayor said the operator had promoted the property on Facebook and TikTok, opening bookings and accepting deposits from 25 December. He stated that this constituted an offence, as the property had not been legally approved for use.

Mr Winai said the operator has been given 30 days to rectify the situation and bring the property into full legal compliance. If no corrective action is taken within that period, criminal proceedings will follow.

Matichon reported that the pool villa is located directly on the shoreline near the Maharat and Rachini buildings, locally known as the White and Red Buildings. The area is historically significant, having served as a royal seaside residence for King Rama V during his visits to Ang Sila. The pool villa had been advertised at nightly rates of 10,000 to 12,000 baht.

Key Takeaways

• Ang Sila municipality has ordered the closure of a luxury pool villa built encroaching into the sea without permits.

• The operator has been given 30 days to correct legal violations or face criminal charges.

• Authorities cited environmental protection, structural safety, and unauthorised operation as key concerns.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-31

 

At least those other 2 guys are looking where he's pointing.

Of course....nobody ever noticed this being built....!

The fee wasn't acceptable!

On 12/31/2025 at 5:40 AM, blaze master said:

At least those other 2 guys are looking where he's pointing.

Pointing is very important in Thai Photographs

The "Officials" should visit Bang Saray!!

On 12/31/2025 at 7:21 AM, ChrisY1 said:

Of course....nobody ever noticed this being built....!

The fee wasn't acceptable!

I wasn't a new construction. The issue here is the modification of an existing structure for unlicensed and unregistered purposes different from those that it was originally built for.

On 12/31/2025 at 5:32 AM, Georgealbert said:

He explained that the site was formerly a jellyfish processing factory that had later been converted into a restaurant, before being extended into a pool villa,

13 minutes ago, LennyW said:

The "Officials" should visit Bang Saray!!

Is it getting a bit out of hand down there?

I look at Google Earth shows some small resorts down in the 'old town' area.

My understanding is that for decades the RTN owned the entire beachfront and maybe still do. This prevented condos and beachfront estates being built in nthe same way as Na Jomtien was expanding. Then a few years back, a huge tract at the northern end somehow became "owned" by developers, which started the steady erosion of peace and tranquillity.