Government Investigating 10 Phuket Resorts and Developments

Posted: 16 Aug 2012 | 12:12 pm

Thailand's national television and print media are headlining the latest news over alleged encroachments by resort and property developers into Sirinath National Park on Phuket's west coast.

A list of 10 developments under investigation by the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department led by Damrong Pidech in Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon and Layan was made public yesterday. These are -

Phuket Penninsula Spa and Resort Co., Ltd. (formerly to be operated as a Hyatt Regency.

Central and City Development Co., Ltd. (Centara Grand West Sands)

Landstate Co., Ltd. (affiliated to Japan's Kajima Overseas)

Three Dolphins Co., Ltd. (Trisara)

La Colline Co. Ltd.

Andaman White Beach Co., Ltd. (Andaman White Sands)

Mrs. Suchada Sangsuwan (private land)

Suree Samrit Co., Ltd.

Pavillon Beach Resort Co., Ltd. (Imperial Adamas)

Layan Phuket Co., Ltd. (Bundrarika Villas and Suites)

A number of leading international investors are connected with these developments including TCC, Minor Hotel Group, Sir Terry Leahy and Kajima Overseas. Yesterday and today a large contingent of government officials have been visiting the hotels, and properties along with examining title deeds and have considerably stirred the island's business community.

Previously in past weeks the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Resort in Nai Thon which is set to open later this year was the target of initial investigations.

Media reports have quoted government officials as saying demolition orders will be issued against those found guilty of infringing into National Park areas. The boundries of Sirinath National Park runs past many prime resort and residential developments areas on the northern west coast of Phuket and its exact location remains highly contentious.

It's unfortunate for the owners of the properties in question as the current situation would appear to be trial by media and no formal charges or government action has been taken.

Over the past decade a series of alleged high profile land scandals and the threat of title revocation's have cropped up on a periodic basis. There remains much conjecture whether the current issues are politically motivated, or if in fact if there is substance to the claims? Stay tuned.

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