Property News

Property News Phuketwan Property News
facebook recommendations

NEWS ALERTS

Sign up now for our News Alert emails and the latest breaking news plus new features.

Click to subscribe

Existing subscribers can unsubscribe here

RSS FEEDS

The island of Koh Lon, off Phuket, site for the Taj Exotica

Phuket Governor Halts Big $$$ Taj Exotica Project

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Koh Lon Photo Album Above

THE GOVERNOR of Phuket, Wichai Praisa-nob, has halted 17 of 39 building projects, including the Taj Exotica, which is expected to set new high-end standards for resorts in the Andaman region.

In the case of the Taj, to be erected on Koh Lon, a small island off the popular south-island holiday destination of Rawai, the governor says the developers have followed every step correctly, but he wants to conduct more research regarding the environmental impact.

''I am certain there will be environmental consequences from this project,'' he said. ''It's within my power to seek to look at this again.''

The development has both IEE and Environmental Impact Assessment approvals.

''The IEE and the EIA do not cover all the potential problems,'' the governor said. ''And once the project begins in earnest, there is no control over issues that spring up as a consequence.''

Villagers who live on Koh Lon and other islands off the coast of Phuket have grown more anxious about development because of the unforseen consequences of existing construction projects.

''If we do not check the details properly, the danger is that there is no restoring the area if damage is done.''

Of the 39 projects the governor has been asked to check, 22 have been approved, with the proviso that 13 still need environmental impact studies.

The other nine can begin construction. The 39 consist of resorts, condominiums, shophouses and villa developments.

Seventeen projects are still in need of further documentation. This can involve land titles or other essential information.

The 121 villas of the Taj Exotica, to be set across 136 rai, could reach new record highs at a cost of $900,000 a key, according to those who have seen details of planning. That will be sumptuous accommodation.

It is believed that the initial application was for a smaller project.

Villagers on Koh Lon are now offering homestays to try to bring more jobs and income to the island. The small island community of 80 families has been losing its young adults to the tourism industry.

Phuket's Taj Exotica Makes Genuine Start
Take an island tour The Taj Exotica has been promoted as the most luxurious resort project that Phuket has seen. But first, it has to win local approval.
Phuket's Taj Exotica Makes Genuine Start

Village Chiefs Deciding Islands' Future
Must Read Traditional village leaders with the power to approve or reject multi million dollar projects are meeting on an island off Phuket. Here's what has influenced their thinking so far.
Village Chiefs Deciding Islands' Future

Phuketwan Phuket News

Rohingha Deaths in Custody: Human Rights Blow
Photo Album A second death in custody and the failing health of Rohingya boatpeople spotlight the official secrecy that Thailand places around issues of basic human rights.
Rohingha Deaths in Custody: Human Rights Blow

Police Catch Beachside Burglar in Record Time
Latest Two Australian mates enjoying Phuket thought a robber in the neighboring province of Phang Nga had escaped with their expensive gear. But police solved the crime in record time.
Police Catch Beachside Burglar in Record Time

Olive the Turtle Fights for Life on Phuket
Photo Album Phuket becomes a sanctuary for a Naiharn turtle that is probably the latest victim of fishing nets. The Olive Ridley species is uncommon on the island.
Olive the Turtle Fights for Life on Phuket

Phuket Scams 'Must End to Save Tourism'
Latest With pressure from the national government, efforts are being made on Phuket and in Bangkok to halt scams that are giving Thailand a bad name among tourists.
Phuket Scams 'Must End to Save Tourism'

Tsunami Dead Drowning in a Wave of Apathy
Photo Album Thailand is among 40 nations doing nothing to preserve the memory of the unidentified dead who perished on Phuket and along the Andaman coast in the tsunami.
Tsunami Dead Drowning in a Wave of Apathy

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Friday March 29, 2024
Phuketwan - Your sweet Phuket, every day

FOLLOW PHUKETWAN

Facebook Twitter