KOH SAMUI – Thai government authorities are currently taking serious steps to tackle the problem of state land grabbing by foreigners on Koh Samui. This comes after there is clear evidence of the dense development of luxury buildings on the hills.
On May 28, 2024, a meeting was held at Surat Thani Rajabhat University under the chairmanship of Mr. Jessada Jitrat, the Governor of Surat Thani. The meeting focused on solving problems related to the development of steep slopes in Koh Samui district and the illegal activities of foreign companies.
He said he had instructed the relevant authorities to collect all problems and obstacles related to land ownership and foreign business activities on Koh Samui. This is to ensure that the problems are thoroughly resolved and do not escalate to avoid future problems.
The authorities involved include the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4, the Koh Samui District Chief, the Koh Samui City Municipality, the Koh Samui Police, the Regional Harbor Office Koh Samui Branch, the Surat Thani Provincial Land Office (Koh Samui Branch), the Koh Samui Revenue Office and the Koh Samui Forest Protection Unit.
The task force is to review and rectify errors in the issuance of land rights documents by government officials, such as the misuse of Sor Kor 1 to issue illegal building permits, non-compliance with the 1979 Building Control Act, unauthorized hotel operations and foreign companies operating in business sectors (hotels and food and beverage sales) where Thais are not competitive.
In addition, there are cases where foreigners own or control companies through nominees in order to retain ownership in Thailand. Cases have also been found where janitors or hotel managers have failed to report the whereabouts of foreigners within 24 hours as required by Section 38 of the Immigration Act 1979.
Mr. Jessada assigned the Koh Samui district chief to lead the policy-level problem-solving team working with ISOC’s legal efforts. The information will be submitted to him as the provincial governor, who also has oversight of the relevant local government agencies, including land, local government, municipality and public works. The plans are forwarded to ISOC Region 4 through ISOC Surat Thani.
“I am not aware of the causes of the past problems, but upon assuming office as provincial governor, I recognized the need to resolve these problems to protect national interests and ensure that there are no hidden agendas. I am determined to reduce these problems,” he said.
Earlier, on May 8, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak, the area commander of the 4th Army and director of ISOC Region 4, conducted a helicopter survey together with the Koh Samui Land Issue Task Force. Several luxury villas on hilltops or pool villas were discovered in six locations: Khao Laem Yai in Bo Phut Subdistrict, Khao Lamai in Maret Subdistrict, Khao Tai Khuai in Lipa Noi Subdistrict, Khao Laem Yai in Maenam Subdistrict, Khao Toei in Maenam Subdistrict, and Khao Phra in Bo Phut Subdistrict.
Maj. Gen. Anusorn O-u-rai, deputy commander of the 4th Army Area, said the investigation clearly showed illegal constructions on steep slopes, which is expressly against the law. On-site inspections also uncovered irregularities in land ownership records. This problem, which is widespread in tourist areas, needs to be solved urgently.
The working group tasked with resolving issues related to encroachment on state land and the destruction of natural resources and the environment conducted a survey at two locations on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, on May 24.
They found that the structures at both locations were in violation of at least three acts, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Announcement 2014, the Hotel Act 2004, and the Building Control Act.
The luxury villas are located on Khao Ma Ngon, Village No. 3, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, in an area with a slope exceeding 50 percent, which is prohibited for construction. Both operators had claimed the area had a slope of 35-50 percent. Additionally, one of the locations was found to be open for tourists as usual, with room bookings available on the internet at a price of 13,900 baht per night.
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