Among the dead in the Aug 23 landslide were Thais and Myanmar workers, and two Russian nationals. The landslide also left 19 people injured and caused extensive damage to homes and property at the bottom of the slope.
After three months of not hearing any updates about any investigation into the people killed, local residents filed a formal complaint with the Phuket Damrongtham Centre (Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) on Nov 27, accompanied by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee.
MP Chalermpong in October urged the public and government officials not to let the investigation into the deadly Kata landslide fade away and be forgotten.
Not said by MP Chalermpong was that might be exactly what the operators of the Big Buddha Viewpoint complex, the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, and associated officials are hoping to achieve.
Not one official asked by The Phuket News in past weeks has been willing to talk about any investigation into the 13 deaths.
In contrast, officials were willing to speak at great length about how justice was being served by the charges being pressed the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, and its figurehead Suporn Wanichkul, for encroaching on protected forest land at the top of the hill where the landslide began.
Of note, even though the charges against the foundation and Supron were widely reported in the media, and by government agencies, so far the case of encroachment has not even been brought to court.
The Phuket Provincial Prosecutor’s Office told The Phuket News this past week that they are in the process of considering whether to submit to the court or not.
Pol Col Khundet Na-Nongkhai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, declined to confirm whether the landslide was caused by construction, citing the need for sufficient evidence to establish a criminal case.
He also said, “Phuket Province [usually meaning Phuket provincial officials] need to work closely with the RFD [Royal Forest Department ] to gather evidence.”
“And if a criminal offense is identified, a formal complaint will be filed,” he said, marking a very odd interpretation of the police’s role for investigating 13 deaths in his area of jurisdiction.
ASSURANCES
Bannarak Sermthong, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, in October assured The Phuket News that the investigation into the cause of the landslide was still underway, but nearing completion.
“While the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation is currently under investigation by Karon Police [for illegally encroaching on protected forest area], the investigation into the cause of the landslide is overseen by Forest Protection Unit 2 (Phuket),” Mr Bannarak said at the time.
Sorasak Rananan, Director of the Phuket Forestry Centre, in October also gave assurances that the foundation would be held responsible for the 13 deaths.
“Since the construction contributed to the landslide, the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation will be held accountable for the 13 deaths,” he said.
“Since I believe the construction was a part of the factor, I will be heading to Karon Police to provide additional information gathered from our observations and investigation related to the project.
“The parking lot construction on the hill was found to be built over a canal, posing a high risk of further collapse,” Mr Sorasak noted.
“I can’t provide details about the investigation or present the evidence we have, but I’ve done my part by charging Suporn Wanichkul, President of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, for encroaching on five rai of land. That’s what we clearly can tell you so far,” he added.
This past week Mr Suporn declined to answer any questions about any investigation into the 13 deaths. Instead, he told The Phuket News to wait for the major press conference held yesterday (Dec 20).
Monchai Sae-Lao, Director of the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office, confirmed that just days after the landslide, on Aug 26, Governor Sopon submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) to conduct an investigation into the cause of the landslide.
Mr Monchai also confirmed, “But there has been no response to the formal request sent by the Governor on Aug 26.”
PRESS ON
At the press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, presided over by Governor Sophon, there was a presentation of many images showing the devastation caused by the Kata landslide, and images of officials responding to the disaster.
The images also showed what initiatives officials are either attempting to, or considering to undertake to prevent future landslides on Kata Hill.
Again, the presentation gave no indication of any investigation into the cause of disaster that struck on Aug 23.
Pakorn Waraphasakul of the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office gave a long description of the efforts underway to prevent future flood and landslide disasters.
One major initiative was the construction of a comprehensive flood prevention system in Phuket Town and Ratsada, including new drainage systems on major roads and a water pumping station at Komaraphat Rd, in a project slated for completion by 2024, Mr Pakorn explained.
Another was the flood prevention project in Patong, in addition to the 415-metre reinforced concrete walls being installed along the banks of the Bang Yai Canal in Phuket Town with a budget of over B36 million.
A similar improvement in Kathu involved the construction of 1,140m of water containment walls with a budget of over B50mn.
Looking forward, provincial officials are seeking central government funding for projects in 2024, including the construction of flood prevention dams at Khlong Tha Ruea and Khlong Na Luek in Koh Kaew. These dams will feature retaining walls up to 4.75m high and span a combined length of nearly 9,000m, Mr Pakorn said.
“Phuket is also addressing landslide risks, particularly in areas like Tambon Karon. Efforts include drone surveys, expert consultations and strategic planning. Preventive measures include increasing permeable land areas, constructing water-retaining weirs and reforesting upstream areas to reduce environmental vulnerability. Urban planning regulations will be strengthened to minimize encroachment on waterways and forests,” Mr Pakorn said.
Governor Sophon emphasised that these projects align with the province’s broader goals of sustainable development and disaster resilience.
“If implemented effectively, these measures will significantly reduce the risks of flooding and landslides in Phuket, safeguarding both our residents and our tourism-driven economy,” he stated.