Officials investigating the deadly landslide that killed 13 people in Phuket last week have seized land at the island’s Big Buddha complex, right on top of the mountain.
Last Friday, August 30, officials from the Phuket Provincial Forestry Centre posted signs at the complex. The signs confirm the seizure of some areas as part of an investigation into Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, which operates the iconic landmark and tourist attraction.
The 45 metre Buddha image is surrounded by car park, toilet, monastery, prayer and souvenir buildings that have been been gradually constructed over the last 2 decades, encroaching further on the hilltop location.
In total, officials have seized more than 5 rai of land in 3 areas around the complex.
Their investigation follows a devastating landslide in the hills above Kata on Friday, August 23, in which 9 Burmese workers, 2 Thai women, and a Russian husband and wife died. Several other people were injured, countless residents have been displaced, and more than 50 homes damaged.
In the wake of the disaster, local residents filed a formal complaint, alleging that unchecked construction at the Big Buddha site had triggered the landslide. According to initial findings, the landslide started 5 metres from the Big Buddha’s newly constructed car park.
The signs posted by officials following the seizure of land at the site indicate that the sections in question are “seized areas” and that their confiscation “prohibits any person from taking possession”. The signs also state that the land seizure follows a complaint filed with Karon Police.
According to the director of the Phuket Provincial Forestry Centre, Sorasak Rananan, Karon Police received the formal complaint on Tuesday, August 27.
Sorasak says the foundation operating the Big Buddha site is accused of illegally occupying 5 rai and 19 square wah of forest reserve land (1 square wah equals 4 square metres).
It’s understood the president of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation, identified only as Mr Suphawanichkul, has been summoned to provide a statement on Thursday, September 5.
Meanwhile, the deputy chief of the Royal Forest Department, Bannaruk Sermthong, issued a statement, in which he said, ““when the case is concluded, all structures, including the Big Buddha, will be demolished.”
SOURCE: The Phuket News
