Occupants of 11 residences refuse to leave as legal battle escalates
PUBLISHED: 24 Oct 2024 at 19:56
Authorities on Koh Samui are intensifying efforts to demolish 11 illegally constructed luxury villas after a prior attempt was thwarted earlier this week.
The demolition at the Ariya Residence project in tambon Maret was originally scheduled for Monday but was halted when a lawyer representing the project owner intervened.
On Wednesday, following directives from the Surat Thani deputy governor, Koh Samui mayor Ramnet Jaikwang was ordered to enforce demolition orders against the villas.
Upon arrival, officials discovered that the villas were occupied, and the occupants refused to communicate or vacate the premises. Local authorities attempted to alert them about the demolition order through the doors.
Mayor Ramnet noted that local police were informed of the obstruction and preparations for a formal complaint were underway when the deputy governor prompted him to take action.
Legal expert Panlop Meepian has been designated to supervise the demolition process after receiving the order from provincial authorities.
Panlop confirmed that a demolition notice was served, and legal proceedings would be initiated against those who do not comply. The municipality plans to engage a contractor for the demolition, expected to cost around 11 million baht.
To maintain security and support the operation, officials, police, and troops will be deployed, with oversight from relevant agencies.
In a counteraction, a lawyer for the project owner has filed a complaint with local police, alleging official trespassing.
The troubled project consists of 34 luxury villas developed by a local company, which has faced ongoing scrutiny since a complaint about illegal construction was filed in 2019. Investigations revealed that the 11 villas were constructed contrary to the approved designs.
Despite orders for demolition, compliance from the project owner has yet to be seen.
