Authorities have taken decisive action against a Chinese-owned luxury resort project on the picturesque island of Koh Samui after discovering that the development did not comply with the building permit regulations. Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Poosit, the commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), announced this past Sunday that a collaborative effort between the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Koh Samui municipality led to the suspension of the “Anzhu Seamate” project.
The inspection, which took place in the tambon Maret region of Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district on Saturday, revealed glaring discrepancies in the resort’s construction. What was intended to be a stunning luxury resort had deviated significantly from its approved design, raising alarms about its legality.
Upon probing the site, officials determined that the project was funded and managed by a consortium of Chinese investors. Surprisingly, despite regular reports from locals citing the presence of approximately 50 builders working on-site daily, the inspection team found the area eerily vacant. This sudden lack of workers suggested that someone had preemptively halted all construction activity, possibly to avoid detection by the authorities.
Breaking down the findings, Pol Maj Gen Watcharin explained that the project site featured several pool villas constructed unusually close to each other on a hillside. Each building stood at over 10 meters tall, flagrantly violating the legal height limit of 6 meters. These violations were not just minor infractions but significant deviations that warranted immediate action.
The land’s property document indicated that the 10 rai plot was purchased in 2018 by a Chinese company named Anzhu Seamate. Subsequently, a different group of Chinese investors applied for and received a permit to build 34 villas on this land, with Anzhu Seamate contracted to carry out the construction work. However, as the project progressed, modifications were made that resulted in villas being built much closer together than permitted, significantly altering the original plan.
Koh Samui municipality, upon recognizing the irregularities, issued an order calling for the demolition of the non-compliant structures. The project had long been a subject of concern for the municipality, which had previously lodged a formal complaint with the local police. The recent suspension marks a critical step in ensuring that the rule of law is maintained, particularly in the realm of property development.
The individuals behind this controversial project are now under scrutiny, with authorities committed to tracking them down and holding them accountable for their actions. This clampdown is part of a broader strategy to enforce rigorous compliance with building regulations and protect the island’s unique character and natural beauty.
In a separate yet related move, the NED also inspected another construction site named Samui Green Cottages on Koh Samui, which encompasses 53 villas. This project, too, was found to be in violation as approximately 10 of the villas were being built without the requisite permits.
Koh Samui continues to be a magnet for luxury developments given its idyllic setting and booming tourism industry. However, this recent crackdown serves as a stark reminder that regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. For investors and developers, this case highlights the importance of adhering strictly to legal stipulations to avoid the financial and reputational damage that can arise from such high-profile suspensions.
In conclusion, while the allure of developing a luxury resort on Koh Samui is undeniable, it is imperative that all stakeholders work within the confines of the law. The authorities’ swift action against the “Anzhu Seamate” project and others like it ensures that the island remains not just a haven for tourists but also a model for sustainable and lawful development.
Finally! It’s about time the authorities took action against these illegal projects. Imagine the repercussions on the local environment.
Absolutely. The environmental impact of such developments can be disastrous. Cutting corners is unacceptable.
It’s not just about the environment. What about the local communities? They suffer too from these violations.
While it’s true there are significant impacts, remember that these developments also bring in jobs and boost the local economy.
But at what cost? Employment should not come at the expense of sustainability.
It’s clear that the investors thought they could bypass local laws. Good on the authorities for stepping in.
Foreign investments should be regulated strictly. Too often they think they can do anything just because they have money.
Koh Samui is such a beautiful place. It’s horrifying to think of these massive resorts ruining the island’s charm. They should all be halted!
Yeah, but tourism is such a huge part of the local economy. It’s a tough balance to strike.
Sustainable tourism is the key. We need to find ways to attract tourists while protecting the environment.
Why do these projects keep happening despite the regulations? Are local authorities turning a blind eye until things get out of hand?
Corruption and lack of enforcement are big problems. Sometimes, these developers manage to operate under the radar until it’s too late.
It’s a shame. We need stricter monitoring and more transparency in the approval processes.
Building 10-meter tall structures on a hillside is just reckless. This is how natural landscapes are destroyed.
Not to mention the risk of landslides! It’s clearly a disaster waiting to happen.
As someone who loves visiting Koh Samui, I’m glad they’re preserving its beauty. Developers need to respect the rules.
I think people are overreacting. Development is always going to happen. The important thing is to learn and adapt.
Overreacting? If we keep adapting to violations, soon there won’t be any regulations left to follow.
Agreed. Sometimes, you have to take a firm stand to protect what matters.
The fact that they found the site empty is suspicious. Someone clearly tipped them off about the inspection.
Indeed, it does raise questions about who knew the authorities were coming. There’s more happening behind the scenes.
I live on Koh Samui and have seen firsthand the destruction these developments cause. The local government needs to do more.
This is a wakeup call for all developers. You can’t ignore laws and expect to get away with it.
While I understand the need for development, respecting the environment and local laws is crucial. Violations like this are inexcusable.
Absolutely, Bob. Development should be done responsibly and ethically. There’s no excuse for breaking the law.
It’s not just about stopping illegal construction. We need to ensure that future projects are closely monitored from start to finish.
I hope the authorities follow through with their commitment to hold those responsible accountable. They can’t just get away with this.
The tourism industry’s growth should not be at the expense of destroying natural beauty. This should be a lesson for all investors.
What about the wildlife? Construction on hillsides likely disrupts habitats and displaces animals. This is a disaster in more ways than one.