Sukhawadee House owner is finally addressed
In a previous posting in 2019 about the Sukhawadee site with owner Panya Chotitawan, head of Giant poultry exporter Saha Farms Co., there was already talk of illegally used land. Panya Chotitawan could not be reached for comment. Measurements were made to determine how much illegally used public land was involved.
It turned out that more public lands were used clandestinely without permission for the buildings, gardens and fencing. The local residents also complained about a closed road.
Management was given one month in 2019 to remove the fences and demolish the later annexed buildings. After an initial approval, this ordinance was ignored and they even built more!
However, around April 24 this year, Deputy City Manager Sutham Petchket appeared to oversee the task force of military, police, Banglamung and Pattaya officials using bulldozers to demolish buildings. Sutham shared that the demolition became necessary after Ban Sukhawadee's owners refused to comply with a series of quotes about buildings, walkways and parking lots built on public waterfronts and roads. Management has been digging its heels in since 2018, when the city government first said more than 13 percent of the tourist attraction was built on public land.
Two buildings at the left rear of the site will be the first to be demolished. Presumably, the big B building will be the hall where after the visit to the Sukhawadee sights a buffet and ladyboy show was offered, all included in the entrance fee. A golden opportunity given the downwardly adjusted pricing to 350 Baht and the initial large influx of Chinese tourists. The second smaller building showed the Chinese zodiac depicted by large statues. In addition, materials for maintenance of grounds and buildings.
Sukhawadee House will be billed for the cost of the demolition.
Source: Pattaya Mail
This problem occurs throughout Thailand and is of course not justifiable, but there are differences to be noted and the approach could also be diverse. I am thinking of a win-win situation here, because demolishing for the sake of demolition and then doing nothing with the reclaimed land, or seeing it turn into a dilapidated piece of area that is filled with all kinds of waste in no time, is worse than to have this unlawfully obtained land paid for and to allow it to continue to exist. A fine is definitely in order. This owner has plenty of money and will choose eggs for his money and it is also good for job creation. It is nicely made and meets a certain need. The beach can also be reached via various adjacent roads, so that is not the end of the world. The problem with this kind of illegal construction is that the mentality of doing business is bad for many and that there is insufficient or sometimes no supervision at all by the authorities that have a task in this. So only notice this late and then use the demolition as the appropriate instrument. This fate can also be observed at my favorite beach restaurant in Ton Hack, south of Jomtien beach. This restaurant had a nice extension right on the beach and that has now completely become a bare sand plain with a single concrete foundation as a souvenir that can still be viewed. This restaurant owner also had some bungalows right on the beach, where my wife and I spent many a night. All against the plain and now neglected ground. As far as I am concerned, other measures should be taken in similar situations. Punishment okay, but if nothing else replaces it I don't understand it.
A typical Thai soap opera takes place here! The loss of face of one of the parties, who gives in. And Pattaya now has the task force (big strong brother) of military behind it.
However, Pattaya is also feeling the hot breath of Governor Pakarathorn Thienchai of this Chonburi province who has been pulling the strings pretty tight lately as far as Pattaya is concerned.
From him also comes the demand for shelter for the homeless in Pattaya!
Indeed, in a number of places hopeless ruins and rubbish remain after the government has done its “duty”. No creative solutions and permanent work for people.
There is something to be said about it, but then you give a license to the person who makes something beautiful out of it on land that does not belong to them.
During construction there has already been corruption since the local government really knows where it is and is not allowed to build and toleration simply costs money. In addition, construction costs have been incurred to create a brainchild from the ground that can then be shown off nicely.
Demolition has more effect to show that even as a rich person you are not above the law by default instead of giving a fine and then having to pay rent or something, I think.
Many speak of corruption and abuse of power.
A rich, powerful clique, which does not care about laws and regulations, neighbors, the environment, etc.
Who presents the community with a fait accompli and then networks to straighten things out, if necessary with brown envelopes under the table.
Also this billionaire, who, of all things, appropriates community land.
As a local resident, you can often only hope to be able to enforce your rights before an objective court.
Enough examples: Bali Hai pier – Pattaya, see other buildings.
Demolition or back to the maximum allowed.
Good that something is being done about it. May more happen.