However, regulations from October 1 will retain the limit on building above 80 metres on Phuket, he said. The regulations are subject to review every two years, he said.
And in a change that will tighten the property industry on Phuket, the new regulations are expected to oblige all consultants to register and be tested before being licensed to apply environmental assessments and impact studies.
''The law will remain unchanged from October 1 in regard to the 80-metre limit,'' Khun Ong-art said. ''If anything, there will be more protection for Phuket's natural environment.''
Real estate speculators are inclined to believe that once the pressure on land below 80 metres produces price rises that make sales prohibitive, the limit, imposed to protect Phuket's natural environment, could be lifted to 100 metres or 120 metres, or be removed entirely.
Khun Ong-art says the 80-metre limit is unlikely to ever be lifted. He believes local council authorities need to be empowered to prevent more breaches of the height limit.
At present, the local authorities have to inform police about breaches of the law. Local authority directors should be given the power to stop illegal construction and make arrests, Khun Ong-art said.
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Phuketwan Opinion The Governor's call for an 'amnesty' on future development may be the last chance Phuket will have to slow the headlong rush towards holiday hell and a tourism turnoff.
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Latest One well known resort is branching into retail in a big way on Phuket with a project that will bring the Kata Karon region its first real shopping mall.
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Latest Pilfering from baggage at Phuket airport was a problem earlier this year but police say French tourist Michael Jerozaiski stole money and a telephone from another traveller.
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Breaking News A holiday from school is something young boys love, so one Phuket boy and his mate set out on a bicycle to have an adventure. Little did they know what was to transpire.
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In a real crackdown, police would be busy for months to come!
Posted by Peter on July 28, 2010 17:19