Lucky Complex operator out of luck

PHUKET TOWN: The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) has taken back management of the abandoned Lucky Complex in Saphan Hin after the company in charge of running it failed to pay rent on the building for more than two years. OrBorJor officials, including the president, Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, went to inspect the Lucky Complex on Saturday, shortly after the OrBorJor cancelled its contract with Lucky Seafood Co. Samreong Chaisorn, deputy president of the OrBorJor, said that the contract was cancelled because Lucky Seafood had failed to fulfill its obligations to pay rent or to turn the complex into something that would benefit the public. Construction of the building began in 1992. Lucky Seafood opened the complex as a department store in 1996, but closed it down less than a year later after disenchanted tenants moved out, having found that essential utilities were not provided. Since then, the building has stood abandoned, serving only as a shelter for homeless people and drug users. The OrBorJor is now surveying the building to see what repairs are needed and plans to ask the public for ideas on how to use it. One possibility is to convert it into government offices. Once the survey is complete, a decision will be made on whether the OrBorJor will operate the building itself or again rent it out to a private company.