Pattaya

City officials plan to demolish abandoned Pattaya condo project

Published

Thursday, November 26, 2020 11:26

PHOTO: Sophon Cable TV / The Pattaya News

After years of talks, threats, and complaints, the abandoned Waterfront condo development at Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier looks set to be demolished. The Waterfront Suites and Residence is a half-finished condo project that was stalled in 2014 after safety inspectors discovered that the building’s fire escapes and elevator systems designs varied from the already approved construction designs. Read an earlier story about the eyesore HERE.

Pattaya’s mayor, Sonthaya Khunplume, says officials plan to tear down what many have condemned as an eyesore, “as soon as possible” – and charge the owners for it. According to a Pattaya News report, the date of the demolition, along with the name of the company being hired to carry out the work, have not yet been confirmed.

The controversy surrounding the development dates back to 2014, when construction was halted following multiple legal threats and complaints from local residents. The Israeli-owned development company, Bali Hai, are accused of violating building regulations, by building a structure that exceeds the legal height limit, as well as restrictions on proximity to the beach. Local residents have also complained that the development obstructs the panoramic vista of the bay from Pattaya Hill, and the view of the memorial to the renowned Admiral Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon.

For their part, the developers insist they have complied with all regulations and had the necessary paperwork and permits for the project. It seems however, that Pattaya officials have had enough, and, ignoring the developer’s claims of bankruptcy, they say the whole Waterfront saga must end. They say the demolition will not affect lawsuits being brought by those who paid for condo units that never materialised, insisting that court hearings can still go ahead, regardless of the condition of the building.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News

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16 Comments

SG666

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 11:30 am

Another example why you should never ever invest in property in LOScam.

Reply
Garry

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 11:53 am

It should have been clear enough during the construction process as to whether or not the developer had a permit for this. . It should never have dragged on for so long.

Reply
7.62mm of darwin

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 12:59 pm

Unfortunately you are correct. Rent only if you are farang and leave if that is not satisfactory

Reply
- MIke
  
  Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 3:20 pm
  
  You are right. I bought a condo in this building and 4 in other projects in 2013. None were finished after the government change in 2015. I will never buy anything in Thailand. As you said, Rent a place and then leave when needed.
  
  Reply
  - Issan John
    
    Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 5:02 pm
    
    The only thing that surprised anyone who’d been in Pattaya for a while about this project was that it actually got off the ground, which no-one had expected it to as it was expected to go the same way as Ocean One which was never more than a few pilings and drainage pipes in what been a swamp, despite the developers (mainly Australian) happily driving around for a while in a Roller, Bentley and a red Ferrari.
    
    That they managed to persuade so many people to part with so much money based on so little explains rather a lot more about the ‘investors’ than it does Thailand.
    
    Reply
Maag

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 1:47 pm

Israeli….again and again !

Reply
Mike Frenchie

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 1:48 pm

“and charge the owners for it” – sure… the company is bankrupt! Good luck with that.

Reply
Toby Andrews

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 2:36 pm

They could sell it to a developer to finish off.
The building is structurally sound – it still stands after six years. So just finish it and put in new safety standards.

Reply
Kevin Skinner

Friday, November 27, 2020 at 8:07 am

By Maya Taylor

Creative writer maybe but not an informative one. So many unanswered questions.

Reply
Khunplastic

Friday, November 27, 2020 at 8:41 am

Pretty difficult to get any decent developer any time any place to take over this kind of mess.
Demolition is not that cheap or simple either.
Sad state of affairs all round.
Never buy off plans.
Crevat emptor.

Reply
- James Pate
  
  Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 5:43 am
  
  Absolutely right! Why would anyone take on this liability?!?
  
  Reply
- Shane
  
  Monday, November 30, 2020 at 9:27 pm
  
  Caveat emptor.
  
  Reply
Flying Flip Flops

Friday, November 27, 2020 at 9:37 am

When I first visited Thailand 2002 my best friend told me ” welcome , just 3 things 1) never buy a house/ apartment in Thailand 2) never fall in love with a Thai girl 3) stay away from drugs especially the hard ones.

Number 2 wasn’t easy I have to admit.
But he was right.

Only buy /invest what you can put in two suitcases

Reply
- Issan John
  
  Friday, November 27, 2020 at 11:20 am
  
  The risks, apart from not being able to put a house in your name as a foreigner, are no greater than they would be elsewhere but for some reason people who would never take the same sort of risks in their own country come here and don’t think twice before making an off-plan purchase from foreign companies with no guarantees and no track record …..
  
  ….. and they don’t just buy one and see how that goes but they buy four or five …..
  
  ….. and then when the inevitable happens and they’ve lost their money, and the “developers” have done a runner back home to their own countries, they look round for someone to blame for their own greed and stupidity …..
  
  ….. well, som nam na.
  
  Reply
- johnnyd
  
  Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 1:22 pm
  
  Honestly done/been doing all three and living my best life, making more money year by year. Just don’t be naive doing them and you’re fine.
  
  Reply
albert meichtry

Friday, November 27, 2020 at 2:46 pm

Its a shame that another developer cant come inand finish the project.
I guess theres no profit to be made on it
Its a shame to tear it down after all that work has been put into it
I would like to see it completed.
I think it adds vakue to the marina waterfront

Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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