Businessman pays 7.5 million baht for holiday home, gets pavilion

A businessman lodged a complaint after paying 7.5 million baht for a holiday home, only to receive a structure resembling a temple pavilion. The issue has been taken to legal officials, with plans to pursue the case to its fullest extent.

Anantachai Chaidej accompanied 21 year old Pitiya and his mother, Dr Dolly Sui, to file a complaint at Kumpawapi Police Station. They aim to prosecute the contractor, architect, engineer, and designer for fraud and professional misconduct under Sections 227 and 341 of the Penal Code.

According to Anantachai, the problem began on March 10 when Pitiya hired the contractor to build a one-story reinforced concrete house for 7.5 million baht (US$224,000).

The contractor allegedly promised to submit the building permit application to the local administrative organisation in Tha Li, Kumpawapi district, Udon Thani province, and ensure the supervision of an engineer in compliance with legal standards. However, the contractor misled the client, concealing the truth and failing to meet the agreed standards.

The construction deviated significantly from the original plan, with no building permit application submitted and no supervising engineer present. Additionally, the materials used did not match the contract specifications and were of substandard quality, resulting in a structurally unsound building that is uninhabitable.

Anantachai highlighted the severe professional misconduct, stating that after Pitiya hired an independent engineer to inspect the construction on September 6, the flaws became evident. Consequently, they decided to file a complaint to bring the responsible parties to justice.

Holiday home

Anantachai is determined to pursue the case against all four individuals involved to prevent them from causing further harm to others. He also plans to request the Council of Engineers revoke the licenses of the architect, engineer, and designer for failing to adhere to professional standards, potentially endangering others.

The contractor has argued that the issue is a civil matter and cannot be prosecuted. However, the actions fall under Section 227, which carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht (US$300), or both.

Pitiya recalled that he met the contractor through a monk who recommended him as a skilled and reliable professional. Trusting this advice, Pitiya purchased land in Tha Li, Kumpawapi district, and decided to build a holiday home due to the scenic mountain views.

His mother, Dr Dolly Sui, supported the decision to build the house. Unfortunately, the result did not match their expectations and resembled a temple pavilion instead of their dream home.

Pitiya expressed deep regret over being deceived.

“We never refused to pay. Whatever amount was requested, we provided.”

Dr Dolly Sui added that she and her son run a business in Singapore. They bought land in the Kumpawapi district because Pitiya desired a house there.

They designed the house and showed it to the contractor, who assured them that he had built many similar houses before, giving them confidence in his capabilities. However, the final structure fell far short of their dream home, looking more like a temple pavilion, reported KhaoSod.

Dr Dolly Sui voiced her disappointment, saying they might have to demolish and rebuild the house but will wait for a while. In the meantime, they will allow their lawyer to handle the case against the contractor and others involved.

“It breaks my heart to see our dream holiday home turn into a temple pavilion. We provided whatever funds were requested without hesitation.”