Phuket will keep 80 metre height limit

Some properties on Phuket have been sold at increased prices in the belief that the island-wide 80-metre limit on building will expire on September 30, the head of Phuket's Natural Resources and Environment Department, Ong-art Chanachanmongkol, said today.

However, regulations from October 1 will retain the limit on building above 80 metres on Phuket, he said. The regulations are subject to review every two years, he said.

And in a change that will tighten the property industry on Phuket, the new regulations are expected to oblige all consultants to register and be tested before being licensed to apply environmental assessments and impact studies.

''The law will remain unchanged from October 1 in regard to the 80-metre limit,'' Khun Ong-art said. ''If anything, there will be more protection for Phuket's natural environment.''

Real estate speculators are inclined to believe that once the pressure on land below 80 metres produces price rises that make sales prohibitive, the limit, imposed to protect Phuket's natural environment, could be lifted to 100 metres or 120 metres, or be removed entirely.

Khun Ong-art says the 80-metre limit is unlikely to ever be lifted. He believes local council authorities need to be empowered to prevent more breaches of the height limit.

At present, the local authorities have to inform police about breaches of the law. Local authority directors should be given the power to stop illegal construction and make arrests, Khun Ong-art said.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : Phuket Wan : July 28, 2010