Gem store planned near Phuket Heroines slammed by locals

[webfact]

Gem store planned near Phuket Heroines slammed by locals
Nattha Thepbamrung


The gem store will be built on the southeast corner of the intersection, behind the billboards seen to the left of this picture. Image Google Street View

PHUKET: -- People living near to the Heroines Monument have filed a complaint to Provincial Hall about the height of a proposed large jewelry shop to be built on the southeast corner of the roundabout.

The building, they complain, will be higher than the monument, meaning it will “look down” on the figures of the two heroines, Thao Thepkrassattri and Thao Srisoonthorn.

As a result, the provincial Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) committee chaired by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak today (December 1), has requested the jewellery company, Royal Gems, to adjust the plan.

“The three-story building, which would be 12 metres high, should be redesigned so that it is lower than the top of the monument,” he said.

He noted, “There is nothing illegal in this case but it affects local people’s feelings about structures looking down on sacred items.

“Villagers in the area said they were not informed about the details of the project, and community leaders complained to Provincial Hall as soon as they heard about it.

“We believe [the planners of] big projects should listen to the local community before planning construction. This does not need to be as big a process as a public hearing, but they should at least make sure that people living nearby will not be affected by the project in any way.”

Asked about existing buildings near the Heroines that are higher than the monument, the Vice-Governor said this topic was not before the committee for consideration, and in any case, many buildings on the island were built before EIAs were introduced.

However, he said, from now on, anyone planning a new building must be aware of the rules and local sensitivities.

Asked about why the committee takes so long to approve EIAs, V/Gov Somkiet explained that the process is very intricate. Officers have to make sure that the environment will not be affected by construction or by the completed structure.

“It is a very detailed process, especially in Phuket, with its high population density and limited natural resources. We have to be very careful about the environmental impact.

“Every month the committee looks at and makes decisions on 10 to 20 projects,” he added.

“People – especially foreigners – may not understand why it takes such a long time but each case has to be considered by a provincial committee of around 20 officers from sections involved, such as the Provincial Environment Office, the District Chiefs and the Land Office, and chaired by the governor or a vice-governor.”

He added that one of his most serious concerns is that, once they have receive EIA approval, the owners of projects do not build the structure in a way that was approved by the committee.

“There are frequent cases where this happens. They build differently from what they filed when they asked for EIA approval.”

“After the assessment is approved by the provincial committee, the Provincial Environment Office is responsible for following up and checking if the builder is proceeding according to the EIA.

“If the building is different from the plans provided to the committee, the builder has to pull down and reconstruct the building or the part of it [that does not conform with the EIA].”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/gem-store-planned-near-phuket-heroines-slammed-by-locals-49930.php


-- Phuket News 2014-12-02

[steelepulse]

Why not just raise the heroines up to a higher height so they are more visible and are not being looked down upon?

[Globeman]

Or why not quit looking at things in such a childish manner... "My head is higher than yours so I am the big boss. Your head is lower, so I can easily pelt you with coconuts from here."

[bluebluewater]

People - especially foreigners - may not understand . . . . .

Yes indeed. We just can never get the hang of this foolishness

[Pomthai]

Move the heroines to the top of a hill somewhere and build a proper flyover to help solve the disastrous traffic situation there. Double win.

[Strangebrew]

Why raise the statue just dig the ground deeper problem solved and gem shop keeps 3 story building. Do they have Thai's that sit around and think of this crap?

[Loles]

The money talks, the folks will get shut up, I guess.

[steelepulse]

Why raise the statue just dig the ground deeper problem solved and gem shop keeps 3 story building. Do they have Thai's that sit around and think of this crap?

Perfect, two floors below ground, top floor ground level. The Chinese that get herded into the gems shop will love the view.

[simon43]

Who on earth wants to come to Phuket to buy low quality trinkets from Cambodia/Myanmar???

[eezergood]

I feel a protest coming on..........

[rickirs]

The building, they complain, will be higher than the monument, meaning it will “look down” on the figures of the two heroines

And how is this different from Victory Monument and Rama V Statue at Lumpini Park?

[Pomthai]

Ban flight for everyone too. Its just to high up to be acceptable.

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

And how is this different from Victory Monument and Rama V Statue at Lumpini Park?

That's a great point. The sky train makes a big loop around Victory Monument and the passengers get a great view - looking way down.

[steelepulse]

Post # 7 from Loles pretty much hits the nail on the head. You sure can't use logic about Victory Monument as that doesn't fill the envelopes.