Yesterday, the Royal Forest Department (RFD) took decisive action by seizing approximately 5 rai of land atop Nak Koet hill in Phuket’s Muang district. This area is believed to be linked to the tragic landslides on August 23 that claimed 13 lives.
Sorasak Rananan, the director of Phuket’s Royal Forest Centre, revealed that the land is situated on the grounds of the Wat Phra Yai temple and is part of a reserve forest. An initial investigation unveiled that a car park had been constructed in the monastery’s area without any official permission.
Mr. Sorasak indicated that the RFD has lodged a formal complaint with the Karon police station, and the land seizure has been officially declared. The Phra Ming Mongkul Satthra 45 Foundation, which operates the hilltop temple, now faces a land encroachment charge.
Karon police chief Pol Col Khundet na Nongkhai stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether the temple holds responsibility for the incident. The deadly landslides, triggered by heavy rains in the early hours of August 23, resulted in 13 deaths and significant damage to over 50 properties. This incident has compelled local forest authorities to file a formal complaint against those accountable.
Suphon Wanitchakun, president of the Phra Ming Mongkul Satthra 45 Foundation, has been summoned for a police inquiry on Thursday, according to Pol Col Khundet.
Bannarak Soemthong, the deputy director-general of the RFD, disclosed that back in 2020, the temple had officially requested permission to erect a gigantic Buddha statue on a 15-rai plot. However, this request is still pending cabinet consideration. He explained that typically, when such requests to utilize forest areas are submitted, the cabinet consults all relevant state agencies for their views before making a decision.
Mr. Bannarak emphasized that the land, aside from the plot awaiting permission, must be confiscated, and anyone found guilty of encroachment must face legal consequences. He also advised those wishing to visit the hilltop monastery to refrain from doing so for the time being.
How could they let this happen? Those poor people died because of neglect and illegal construction!
It’s infuriating. Do you think the temple is solely at fault, or are there more people who should be held accountable?
Good question. It feels like there’s always more to the story. Local authorities should have kept a closer eye on this.
Absolutely, it’s systemic negligence. Everybody from the planners to local government are responsible.
But isn’t it also the responsibility of the temple to ensure they follow legal procedures? They can’t just build whatever they want.
Why is it always after a tragedy that authorities start to act? They should have inspected and acted sooner.
Exactly. Reacting after the fact does nothing for those who lost their lives.
It’s the typical ‘closing the barn door after the horse has bolted’ scenario. Preventative measures are always more effective than reactive ones.
True, but is there even a point to the investigations now when the damage is already done?
There is a point, Joe. Holding people accountable is important to deter future negligence.
This is so sad. I visited the temple a few years back. It’s a beautiful site, but no beauty is worth human lives.
This seems like a classic case of putting profits above safety. Whoever allowed this construction to happen should be jailed.
Absolutely. It’s greed that led to this disaster.
The government should impose stricter regulations on land use, especially in areas prone to natural disasters.
Wasn’t it common knowledge that the temple didn’t have the required permits? Seems like a lot of people turned a blind eye.
Exactly. Turning a blind eye is just as bad as committing the act itself.
There might be some corruption involved. Someone somewhere allowed this to happen for sure.
People need to realize that building in unstable areas puts lives at risk. This tragedy could’ve been avoided with better planning.
It’s basic common sense, but greed blinds people.
The foundation should have known better. They have a responsibility to their visitors and community.
Yes, but it’s also up to the authorities to enforce the law. Everyone has a role to play.
What can be done to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
Better laws, better enforcement, more awareness. It’s simple but it takes dedication.
And stricter penalties for those who neglect regulations.
I agree, Aron. If there are no consequences, people will keep breaking the rules.
I wonder how the upcoming inquiry will go. Do you think anyone will actually be held accountable?
Inquiries often lead nowhere. Let’s hope this one is different.
I’m skeptical, but let’s see. Justice needs to be served.
The victims’ families need justice. They should sue everyone responsible.
Does anyone know if the local community is doing anything to help the affected families?
There are some relief efforts underway, but it’s going to be a long recovery.