Bannaruk Sermthong, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department (RFD), told The Phuket News, “I urge everyone to cooperate by avoiding the Big Buddha area during this investigation.
“Entering the restricted zone could be considered a violation of the National Reserved Forests Act B.E. 2507,” Mr Bannaruk warned.
The closure of the site is primarily to prevent further landslides, especially during the current period of heavy downpours on the area. “It is crucial to minimise vehicle traffic and foot traffic in the area. Vibrations from transportation can exacerbate the risk of landslides,” Mr Bannaruk said.
The tourist-popular site was closed after RFD officers seized five rai of land in the surrounding protected forest area appropriated by the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation, which operates the Big Buddha complex.
Officers conducting investigations and inspections of the site are allowed into the area, Mr Bannaruk noted.
“The RFD has granted local government agencies full access to the site to address the situation effectively. Our role is to support their work to the fullest extent.” he said.
INVESTIGATION
Around the end of 2023, the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation, which operates the Big Buddha complex, submitted a request to the Royal Forest Department for access to adjoining protected forest areas, along with a request for exemption from the Cabinet for construction on 15 rai not already dedicated to the Big Buddha complex, Mr Bannaruk explained.
The RFD is currently awaiting the Cabinet’s decision on whether to relax the restrictions on Class 1A watershed areas, he noted.
“The request for this 15-rai expansion was submitted in line with the Cabinet Resolution from June 23, 2020. The Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation sought permission to construct within this area in accordance with the Building Control Act of 1978,” he said.
“The RFD asked Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation to submit the request document for relaxation of watershed class 1A to the Cabinet first. If it is approved, the RFD will reconsider the construction,” he added
However, construction onto five rai of land has already been completed without permission, and the runoff new construction has caused is now under investigation as the potential cause, or major contributing factor, of the deadly landslide on Aug 23 that killed 13 people and damaged more than 50 homes.
“Recently, this issue significantly contributed to the landslide problem. During a site inspection, my team and I discovered that construction has extended beyond the 15 rai, which constitutes a violation of the National Reserved Forests Act B.E. 2507,” Mr Bannaruk explained.
The RFD has already filed a formal complaint, and provided evidence, to the Karon Police, and formally reported the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation for charges related to the encroachment, Mr Bannaruk confirmed.
Mr Bannaruk said the RFD had reported the required demolition of several structures on the illegal expansion, including a parking lot and six additional buildings: a multi-purpose facility, a restroom, a water tank installation tower, a water system control building, a passenger waiting pavilion and accommodation units.
“The RFD has also sent a warning letter to Kata Temple and the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation, outlining the cancellation of a previous project approved in 2002 [when construction of the Big Buddha began]. The letter clearly states that all activities related to this project must cease immediately, and no further extensions will be permitted,” he said.
RESPONSIBILITY
“According to the law, those responsible for the [landslide] problem must be held accountable. However, it is up to the Karon Police to conduct the initial investigation, working with engineers to identify the responsible parties and gather evidence for accountability,” Bannaruk said.
“If the investigation concludes that the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation is at fault and they are found guilty, they will be held responsible for covering all damages and associated costs,” he added.
The investigation is currently underway with the Karon Police, under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit, Commander of Region 8 Police, Mr Bannaruk explained.
“The RFD are requesting an expedited investigation to address the issue promptly and ensure fairness for all involved,” he said.
DEMOLITION
Mr Bannaruk dismissed the notion that the iconic Big Buddha statue will face demolition, as reported in previous news stories.
The demolition of structures at the Big Buddha site will apply only to illegal construction on five rai of land “near Big Buddha, not the Big Buddha [statue] itself.” Mr Bannaruk clarified.
“My intention was not to demolish the entire site, but only to address the five rai of land that exceeds the agreed limits. If further evidence is uncovered by the police and the court rules them guilty, then demolition will be enforced as part of the court’s sentencing.” he said.