He also made a call for all relevant departments to strictly enforce planning and construction standards.
The Governor was accompanied by Vice-Governor Somkiat Sangkhaosuttirak, Wongsakorn Nunchukan from the Phuket Provincial Department of Public Works and Planning, and Chairat Sukbal, Deputy Mayor of Patong.
By the time of the investigation – which was organised by the owner of the hotel – all of the destroyed houses had been cleared.
“The wall was made from concrete with too much sand mixed into it, so it was weak,” said Gov Maitree. “I am still worried about the main structure of the hotel.”
However, he added that he had not declared the area a disaster zone as he had not yet thoroughly investigated it.
Gov Maitree said that as the case was not technically the result of a natural disaster, the government would pay some compensation for the damage, with the hotel owner agreeing to pay the rest.
He added that this case should make everybody concerned about the standard of construction on the island.
He said that he would ensure that standards are enforced. “The whole city building and city planning must reach the required standards.”
Gov Maitree will also set up a conference with the relevant departments at local government level and the with the Public Works and Planning Department.
He said that ensuring building regulations are followed is a big issue that affects the whole area and tourism as well, and he urged all departments, therefore, to control the quality by adhering to building standards mandated by law.