Land encroachment scandal rocks Phuket Big Buddha

The Phuket Big Buddha Foundation is in hot water after the Forest Department accused its chairman of land encroachment. This follows a catastrophic mudslide that claimed 13 lives, predominantly Myanmar nationals, last week at Khao Nak Kerd, Phuket’s tallest peak.

Officials from the Forest Department, along with the Phuket Buddhism Office, police, and local officials, carried out a rigorous inspection of the Big Buddha site and its surroundings yesterday, August 27. Their goal was to verify whether the entire compound adhered to the 2.4-hectare land limit stipulated by the Forest Department.

Armed with GPS technology, the team uncovered a troubling discrepancy: the entire compound sprawled across approximately 3.2 hectares, exceeding the allowed area. This surplus land was used for additional parking, restrooms, and other facilities.

Officials suspect that this alleged encroachment and unauthorised construction may have exacerbated the recent mudslide, triggered by heavy rains. The Big Buddha, an iconic 45-metre tall statue clad in Burmese white marble, is a significant landmark on the island. However, this controversy threatens to tarnish its revered status.

The Forest Department’s complaint now puts the spotlight on the foundation’s chairman, raising questions about regulatory compliance and the broader impact on the local environment, reported Thai PBS World.

In related news, a petition was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission against Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and the party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob over alleged land encroachment in Khao Kradong Forest Park, Buriram.

Lawyer Pattharpong Supassorn complained on August 21, calling for an investigation into a building project on a 5,083-rai land plot owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

In other news, the scenic district of Wang Nam Khiao in Nakhon Ratchasima is witnessing a massive government crackdown as over 400 resorts face the threat of demolition for encroaching on public land.

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry launched inspections, spearheaded by Thanadol Suwannarit, chairman of the ministry’s task force on illegal land ownership under the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO).