Changes For Phuket Environmental Regulations Announced

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Posted: 26 Apr 2010 | 6:00 am

A change to current regulations is expected to have substantial impact on development on the island which will see a new environmental regulation come into place for Phuket by the third quarter of this year - 2010. The existing guideline titled "The Announcement of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - Specifications of Environment Protection Areas and Measures for Phuket B.E. 2546 is set to expire on September 30th.

"The Thai Government has released a new draft which has been reviewed by leading Bangkok legal firm Baker & McKenzie who have reviewed and released comments as follows:

The current version of the draft could substantially effect developments and land values in Phuket.

As an example land which is located in Zone 6 (40-60 meters above sea level) currently says that for slopes next exceeding 35% than buildings must be 8 meters or less.

Under the revision for slopes under 20% which allows 8 meters or less in heights for buildings, but for inclines of 20-50% only detached houses or single buildings of less than 6 meters in height are allowed.

For requirements in 'open' spaces, in the existing guidelines if an incline is less than 35%, then an 'open' area of not less than 40% of the total land area needs to be allowed.

On the new draft where slopes of 20-35% are existing, open areas of 70% are required while for slopes of 35-50%, then 75% must remain open."

The legal firm expects final guidelines to come out over the next few months or prior to the end of September. For those wanting more information they can contact Baker McKenzie in Bangkok for details of the full draft.

If you are developing or renovating property that has significant slopes, a complete review of the issue and perhaps expediting of build permits prior to the new regulation coming into effect might be advisable.

DO YOU LIKE THIS?

We were told that the law is effective already (By Phuket Environmental Services) -can anyone confirm this?

Bill Barnett responds:
Yes we checked with some local resources who confirmed implementing guidelines are in place.

Bob Speed, 01 Aug 2010 | 5:02 pm

Great news...but will the laws be enforced I wonder?

Ian, 17 May 2010 | 7:43 am

This is good news for once and will be beneficial to this island.

Shame this law wasn't in place years ago, Kamala may still have had its hills intact without the awful eyesores which have been erected

Joyco, 26 Apr 2010 | 1:28 pm

So do you see this decreasing land value because only low density private projects will be allowed? No more hillside condos or hotels.

In time this will pay-off as a very good thing.
Bill Barnett responds:
For small prime pieces of land, values will not be effected as they are for villas, but yes where you have larger tracts of land that need high density or not prime sites, then yes. The draft allows for green and open spaces which are good for the island and helps steer away from the concrete jungle so the move is a positive one.

Scott S, 26 Apr 2010 | 9:17 am