Ashton Asoke condo finds a lifeline – just in the nick of time!

The troubled Ashton Asoke condominium project, mired in legal battles for over a year, may just have found a lifeline. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is considering a retroactive construction permit application, thanks to a new interpretation from the Council of State.

This latest twist could spell relief for the tenants and the luxury high-rise, which has been teetering on the brink of partial demolition. Bangkok Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon broke the news yesterday, shedding light on the council’s latest move.

The BMA had turned to the Council of State for advice after the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling last year invalidated the condo’s construction permit. The court ruled that the building’s main entrance didn’t meet the required width, throwing the project into chaos.

To avoid the prospect of demolishing part of the building and to comply with the court’s decision, the BMA sought recommendations. Wisanu explained that the council concluded the permit’s revocation didn’t completely annul the original permit. This means the condo, in a prime spot near Sukhumvit and Asoke Montri roads, technically remains without a valid permit.

In a bid to sidestep demolition, the BMA is now set to instruct the condo’s owner to re-apply for the permit retroactively. This would remedy the situation without the need for drastic measures. The revocation of the permit had cast the condo’s construction in an illegal light.

The BMA had previously hinted that the developer, Ananda MF Asia Asoke Co, could re-apply for the permit within a set period. Meanwhile, residents and tenants are weighing up legal action against the developer for damages.

Permit issue

Wisanu also revealed that the council believes the Buildings Control Act might not be strictly enforced to bar tenant access to the condo while the permit issue is being resolved.

“The council’s opinion gives us a way forward without causing undue hardship to the residents.”

The situation has placed significant stress on tenants, who have been in a state of uncertainty regarding the future of their homes. One tenant expressed frustration over the prolonged legal battle and the potential financial implications.

“We just want clarity and a solution that doesn’t involve losing our homes.”

The BMA’s next steps will be crucial in resolving the matter, as the council’s interpretation provides a legal framework for moving forward. However, the actual implementation of these recommendations will require careful coordination and communication with all parties involved.

The Ashton Asoke condo, located on Asoke Road, remains a focal point in this legal saga, as stakeholders await the BMA’s actions following the council’s guidance.

This potential resolution comes as a relief to many, but it also highlights the complex interplay between urban development, legal regulations, and the rights of property owners and tenants. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to construction laws and the potential consequences of oversight.

The coming weeks will be critical for the BMA and Ananda MF Asia Asoke Co as they work to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape to bring the Ashton Asoke project into compliance while addressing the concerns of its residents, reported Bangkok Post.