SURAT THANI – On September 17, 2024, authorities in Surat Thani took action to close down 21 villas that were illegally constructed on Koh Samui, ordering foreign tenants to vacate the properties. The villas, located on Khao Ma Ngaen mountain in tambon Bo Phut, were found to have been built without proper permits and were encroaching on protected mountainside land.
The closure orders were issued by municipal officials, military personnel, and representatives from the ombudsman’s office. The 21 villas are part of a larger group of 46 properties built illegally by three companies in the Bo Phut area. Authorities discovered that these companies had bypassed required construction permits, leading to the enforcement action.
Among the 21 villas, three were occupied by foreign tenants. One of the tenants, a French national who runs a cleaning business on the island, had been leasing his villa for 20,000 baht per month under a one-year contract. All tenants complied with the orders to leave the premises.
The remaining villas were vacant but actively advertised for lease. Authorities have not yet disclosed the fate of the other 25 illegally constructed villas still under investigation.
Officials’ Response and Next Steps
Authorities emphasized the importance of enforcing building regulations on Koh Samui, especially in areas of environmental significance like Khao Ma Ngaen mountain. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb illegal developments on the island, which has seen increased pressure from tourism-related construction projects.
