The chairman of the foundation which operates the Big Buddha complex in Phuket has been charged with encroachment, as has the foundation itself.
Yesterday, September 11, Karon Police charged Suporn Wanichkul and the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongol Sattha 45 Foundation with illegal encroachment and the clearing of protected forest land.
Specifically, both Suporn and his foundation have been charged with clearing land, burning forests, and building on and occupying protected forest land without permission. Suporn denies the charges, both on his own behalf and on behalf of the foundation.
The charges pertain to the Big Buddha complex, located in the hills above Kata, where a devastating landslide killed 13 people last month. The tragedy was the catalyst for what many would say was a long overdue investigation into the complex.
The probe followed a complaint from local residents, in which they blamed illegal construction at the Big Buddha for the fatal landslide. The complaint was filed with the Royal Forest Department, prompting RFD officials to visit the complex. During their investigation, they seized over 5 rai of land, which they deemed the foundation had encroached on.
The Phuket News reports that RFD chief Bannaruk Sermthong has stated that should Suporn and the foundation be found guilty, all illegal construction at the Big Buddha complex will be demolished.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
