Phuket Vice Governor orders stop to Big Buddha construction
Phuket Gazette


Big Buddha has become a popular tourist destination on Phuket. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Construction on Phuket’s Big Buddha was halted yesterday after villagers filed a complaint alleging that it had caused landslides last year, and could potential do so again when the rainy season returns.

Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak led 20 officers in an inspection of the construction site yesterday morning. He was joined by Suporn Vanitchakul,President of Phraphuttha Mingmongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, who is managing the construction of the image and the development of the surrounding area.

“Karon villagers believe that landslides near their houses last year were caused by runoff from the Big Buddha project,” said V/Gov Somkiet.

“Construction must stop until we have a chance to completely inspect the land and, if there is a problem, determine appropriate solutions.”

Mr Suporn denied the villagers’ allegations.

“We have taken preventative measures by building a retaining wall. However, if something does happen, and it affects your house, please let me know and I will do everything I can to make things right,” said Mr Suporn.

During the inspection, KaronVillage Chief Kampaet Petkor also pointed out the unauthorizedconstruction of kuti (sleeping quarters for monks) at the site, which has been a point of contention in the past (story here).

In 2011, the foundation was ordered by Phoppol Sirilugsanapong, head of the Ministry of Natural Resourcesand Environment office in Phuket, to pull down all unauthorizedbuildings not directly related to authorized construction. However,in 2012, the director of the Community Forest Management Bureau at the Forestry Department’s regional office in Krabi cleared the foundation of any wrong doing related to construction of the Big Buddha (story here).

“If the buildings are illegal,you can remove them,” said Mr Suporn yesterday. “But I want you to focus on the religious importance, as well as the importance of the place as a popular tourist attraction.”

In a meeting next week, the project management team will be asked to address a slew of concerns cited by V/Gov Somkiet.

“They will have to be prepared to discuss the following topics: a project completion date; the appropriation of funds; lack of authorization for construction from the municipality; unauthorized buildings; and landslides,” saidV/Gov Somkiet.

The projects permit which has been extended three times is set to expire in 2016.

“If there are still issues with the site, it is possible that the contract will be denied for 2017,”V/Gov Somkiet confirmed.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2014/Phuket-Vice-Governor-orders-stop-to-Big-Buddha-construction-26720.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2014-03-01

Where does the money go? Donations pour in but construction is at a snails pace.

The landslides will start after the first big downpour. This lack of rain has dried the earth up.

It's the way it is over here. Construction starts, money runs out, wait for more donations. Resume construction, money runs out, wait for more donations.........

There is a wat in our village that is an absolute eyesore as the head monk will start a new project before there is enough money in the kitty then have to wait for more donations. The main hall has been over 7 years in construction and is only now nearing completion. There are a couple of smaller buildings that have been started and just left in the 7 years.

I am glad we donated 2000 baht for 2 bags of concrete last year at this very site... I would be very interested to be sure that my donations as well as the hundreds of other tourists I saw on that days' donations were spent for purpose. Judging by the filth of rampant corruption within the political circles of Phuket, I am not confident.

What ? Another Wat ? O my Big Buddha !

Post removed - Thaivisa rule 30) Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply

It's the way it is over here. Construction starts, money runs out, wait for more donations. Resume construction, money runs out, wait for more donations.........

There is a wat in our village that is an absolute eyesore as the head monk will start a new project before there is enough money in the kitty then have to wait for more donations. The main hall has been over 7 years in construction and is only now nearing completion. There are a couple of smaller buildings that have been started and just left in the 7 years.

Yes, I've had the exact same problems with a number of skyscraping condos/'willas' in my surrounding sois. So their fugly grey concrete skeletons can go on blocking our once lovely views ad infinitum

What ? Another Wat ? O my Big Buddha !

One could say, another pair of shoes? you only have 2 feet ....