Mr Bancha issued the order to investigate the suspected illegal structures earlier this month, with the two OrBorTor chiefs given until Friday, Sept 15 to report their findings, reported news agency Isra.
A total of 34 houses are suspected of being built illegally in Tambon Thepkrasattri, and a further 15 houses are suspected of being built illegally in Tambon Sakhu, notably in areas around Phuket airport, said the report.
The order was issued in response to a complaint filed by Jamroon Kerddam, Chairman of the Gulf of Thailand - Andaman Area Conservation Network, reported Isra.
Also in response ot the complaint, Pol Capt Piya Raksakul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSi), arrived in Phuket on Aug 15 to inspect illegal structures and illegal occupation of areas within the Bang Khanun Protected Forest.
The complaint reportedly included “confidential information from a conservationist who’s part of the network in Phuket”, Isra noted.
“The information highlighted a flooding incident that occurred at Phuket International Airport in Thalang District, Phuket Province, last year. This incident has had a serious negative impact on the city’s reputation as a top-tier tourist destination. Such a destructive event has never been experienced before.
“Upon investigation, the network discovered that the surroundings of Phuket International Airport are encompassed by numerous mountains, steep hills, and flat areas. Despite this challenging terrain, unauthorised construction is taking place.
“These buildings have been erected without proper authorization from local authorities, contravening the regulations set forth in the Building Control Act of 1979, which was later amended in 1992. The unauthorised construction including 34 houses have been built without proper authorization in Thepkrasattri and 15 houses in Sakoo.
“However, the responsible parties for this negligence remain unknown, whether they are relevant officers or not,” the network said.