Bangla bars investigated for encroachment

PHUKET: Almost 30 businesses along Phuket’s primary party street Soi Bangla are being investigated for illegal encroachment, confirmed Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong yesterday.

The 28 businesses, occupying 33 units, are allegedly on one rai of land that belongs to the municipality, explained Mr Sayan.

“We will be investigating exactly how the businesses located near the beachfront road, on the southern side of Bangla, were able to originally lay claim to the land, as 17 of them have already filed documents proving their legitimacy,” said Mr Sayan.

The one rai of land is supposedly owned by Patong Municipality with a NorSorLor land document, but the vendors were given permission to run their businesses there more than two decades ago, when the municipality was still known as the Sanitary District, explained Mr Sayan.

The businesses comprise bars, tailor shops and a number of other venues catering to tourists.

“We are looking for a solution that will not have a negative impact on any of the interested parties,”
said Vice Governor Suthee Thongyam during a meeting about the topic yesterday.

“One possible solution is to change the title of the land to allow them to legally run businesses on the property, while the municipality collects rent.”

While officials are searching for solutions, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup was asked to file a letter to the Land Office, so that they can determine the exact borders of the property. She has also been asked to send a letter to Cabinet to ask for permission to change the land document in a way that will allow the municipality to rent the property out to the businesses.

— Nattha Thepbamrung