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Phuket head of Natural Resources and Environment, Ong-art Chanachanmongkol

Phuket 'Will Keep 80 Metre Height Limit'

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
SOME properties on Phuket have been sold at increased prices in the belief that the island-wide 80-metre limit on building will expire on September 30, the head of Phuket's Natural Resources and Environment Department, Ong-art Chanachanmongkol, said today.

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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Comments

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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

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I feel a few 'what constitutes 6 inches (15cm)' jokes appearing here. Will the 80m limit be set by the men or the women on the NRED 5555555555

Posted by Mister ree on July 28, 2010 19:22

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Once greed and corruption take hold again, lets see the limits remain in force.
Not very likely at all, I am afraid.

Posted by Robin on July 28, 2010 21:28

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Great as food supply around the world becomes less and an less as more land is polluted and destroyed by man we in Phuket keep filling in the low rice lands where the dirt was very rich with the almost useless red dirt from the hills. So we can build our houses on this precious growing land that fed the people of Phuket for 100s of years.

Build on the hills use the resources were the dirt is not so precious.

Posted by Brian on July 28, 2010 22:03

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There's been little-to-no enforcement of the 80 meter limit. There's rampant building along the coast north of Patong, illegal lumberjacking, et cetera. Will Phuket residents malinger until their entire island "paradise" is one big parking lot covered in mudslide?

Posted by Tired of the act on July 28, 2010 22:38

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And what they want to do with the regulation prohibiting any construction within 50 meters from the highest level of sea?

Will the Thai Administration will buy back those illegal properties and destroyed them for the good of the public, as it is done in many countries in Europe?

Posted by Whistle-Blower on July 29, 2010 09:44

Editor Comment:

There are a couple of beaches left on Phuket where the government should look at buying the land directly fronting the shore. That's the only way the 'old Phuket' will be preserved.

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Seems like whole developments over 80 meters (from sea level ? ) are above South Kamala, all around Patong with numerous resorts on the north end, Surin, and now even north Bang Tao ( Layan).

Another " Law " used in discriminating extortion?

Posted by Horse Doctor on July 31, 2010 10:57

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The answer is simple: Do what one developer on the east coast is doing. REMOVE the hill above 80M and dump it somewhere else. That way the land is clear for development and no law is broken - right?

Posted by Anonymous on August 2, 2010 22:10

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Yes when are we going to stop destroying the old rice lands good for growing food where the earth was very fertile. The Locals in their greed haul the almost useless red dirt off the hills and cover the rice fields. Build on the hills, forget about the 80 meter limit. Think about feeding future generations, not buying a new pick up truck. There were stories talking about this years ago in local newspapers but know one is listening as every one wants the money.

Posted by Brian on August 5, 2010 07:19

Editor Comment:

Too late, Brian.

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Rather than taking red soil from the hill, it would be better to dig deeper the old tin mines and create new deep lakes or reservoirs by digging the soil on public lands with recreational parks surrounding those areas and sell that soil for money.
Maybe the local administration will understand one day that they can not recreate the wheel as it has been done thousands of years ago.
It is better to have one who knows, than 10 who don't know.....Blablabla...

Posted by Whistle-Blower on August 5, 2010 10:22

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It looks like the real money is in Phang Nga.

What is widely regarded as Asia's most luxurious home has been sold, Property Report understands.

Beyond Villa, located Natai Beach in Thailand's southern Phang Nga province, has been sold for around US$24 million, according to a number of industry watchers who declined to be named. The 6,500 sqm property, which was previously owned by California Fitness founder Eric Levine, has been purchased by an unidentified Russian buyer, according to several sources familiar with the transaction.

The ocean-front property has been on the market for several years and was initially listed at around US$27.5 million.

Located on a 10-rai (4 acre) beach front estate on quiet Natai Beach in Phang Nga, the four-bedroom villa has one of the best home gyms in the world, thanks to its former owner. It incorporates glass, steel and granite into its uber-modern and light-filled design which was created by Hong Kong architect Branko Pahor.

Outside its doors Villa Beyond has a two-hole golf course, 37-metre infinity swimming pool, barbecue terrace and covered outdoor massage and dining areas. Notable inside amenities include a 24-seat cinema, hidden kitchen, meditation room and a spa. The master bedroom is 500 sqm in size and boasts its own private swimming pool.

The home gym - with more than 80 pieces of equipment - is located in a separate pavilion on the property, as is a 750 sqm games room complete with bowling alley and karaoke room.

The property was being marketed extensively by local and international agents, and had been featured in the pages of global newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times.

Posted by bob simmons on August 6, 2010 10:50


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