PHUKET: As a probe on Phuket into land ownership expands, Frenchman Bernard Gaultier, whose 100 million baht villa and property was at the centre of a Phuket national park probe, is suing two officials for 45 million baht.
He says investigations into the ownership of properties bordering Phuket's Sirinath National Park lopped the value of his land, according to Samak Dannapee, the Director of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The two men being sued by M Gaultier are the former Director General of the department, Damrong ''The Demolisher'' Pidech, and the Director of Sirinath National Park, Cheewapad Cheewatam.
Although Mr Gaultier's title was found to be genuine, the validity of many other property titles has yet to be proven.
Khun Samak also revealed that a major legal challenge is about to be mounted to titles involving 320 rai of contentious property on the park's border. Other challenges are anticipated to follow.
Some of the land subject to investigation is occupied by luxurious five-star Phuket resorts. Investigators have been quick to point out that the present owners are not necessarily under suspicion. Some titles have changed hands many times.
Khun Samak also said that five former directors of Sirinath National Park are now being investigated, including at least one former governor of Phuket.
Fifty staff continue to be involved in the probe and satellite technology is being used to pinpoint the contentious properties. An additional large property at Phuket's Layan beach, bordering the park, is now also under investigation.
Authorisation for a pier at Mr Gaultier's Andaman coast property is also still being looked at, Khun Samak said.
He says investigations into the ownership of properties bordering Phuket's Sirinath National Park lopped the value of his land, according to Samak Dannapee, the Director of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The two men being sued by M Gaultier are the former Director General of the department, Damrong ''The Demolisher'' Pidech, and the Director of Sirinath National Park, Cheewapad Cheewatam.
Although Mr Gaultier's title was found to be genuine, the validity of many other property titles has yet to be proven.
Khun Samak also revealed that a major legal challenge is about to be mounted to titles involving 320 rai of contentious property on the park's border. Other challenges are anticipated to follow.
Some of the land subject to investigation is occupied by luxurious five-star Phuket resorts. Investigators have been quick to point out that the present owners are not necessarily under suspicion. Some titles have changed hands many times.
Khun Samak also said that five former directors of Sirinath National Park are now being investigated, including at least one former governor of Phuket.
Fifty staff continue to be involved in the probe and satellite technology is being used to pinpoint the contentious properties. An additional large property at Phuket's Layan beach, bordering the park, is now also under investigation.
Authorisation for a pier at Mr Gaultier's Andaman coast property is also still being looked at, Khun Samak said.
There has been more clearing within the last months above Layan Soi 7, along with a newly built worker's camp. I sent pics to the Natural Resources office in Phuket Town and did receive an acknowledgement.
Posted by The Night Mare on March 17, 2014 09:51