Recently decided to have a sala erected on the roof of our house. House is about 20yrs old and terrace style on the hill. Found what seems to be a reputable builder. Went to see some of their work and was satisfied. Withe thier engineer they drew up plans and specs. Discussed with them re a permit. Was assured wasnt needed. Sala about 3/4 done and a guy turns up claiming to be from council. He states we cannot out up a sala. States building here can only be 8 meteres high. Well all the houses either side of us are exactly the same and are 11 metres tall. The height if the sala is 2.5 metres. Then he came back and explianed that if we paid him 100,000bht it wold be ok! So now we are trying (with the builder) to find building codes. Anyone here been able to obtain building codes or consent procedures? Any help appreciated

I don't know dick about building codes in Phuket. But, anyone telling me 100k and all will be okay, I would tell to f-off.

Go to your local government office and sort it out.

Complete scam. Trouble is that if you go to your local planning office then no-one will give you a straight answer. Years ago my wife went to the trouble of getting a copy of the building codes back then in an attempt to support some building we were engaged in, when challenging the planning authority they just boldy stated they knew better. We went ahead and built, waited for trouble, had a bit of hassle, but never ever paid anything.

My advise - tough it out.

My advise - when he comes back, start videoing him in his face, whilst telling him that you will contact the anti-corruption commission.

Even better would be this 3-step plan:

Step 1: Video tape him secretly whilst discussing his financial requirements.

Step 2: Present the tape to the anti-corruption authorities.

Step 3: Move to the Philippines.

Even better would be this 3-step plan:

Step 1: Video tape him secretly whilst discussing his financial requirements.

Step 2: Present the tape to the anti-corruption authorities.

Step 3: Move to the Philippines.

My 3-step plan:

Step 1: Video tape him secretly whilst discussing his financial requirements.

Step 2: Demand 100,000 baht or you'll present the tape to the anti-corruption authorities.

Step 3: Move to the Philippines 100,000 baht better off.

Even better would be this 3-step plan:

Step 1: Video tape him secretly whilst discussing his financial requirements.

Step 2: Present the tape to the anti-corruption authorities.

Step 3: Move to the Philippines.

My 3-step plan:

Step 1: Video tape him secretly whilst discussing his financial requirements.

Step 2: Demand 100,000 baht or you'll present the tape to the anti-corruption authorities.

Step 3: Move to the Philippines 100,000 baht better off.

I don't think you would make it to Step 3, after Step 2.