PHUKET, THAILAND – A controversial luxury condominium project in Phuket came under formal corruption scrutiny after a major inspection by national anti-graft authorities.
Taskforce from Bangkok targets One World project
On 3 December, a convoy of official vehicles arrived in Cherng Talay, carrying a multidisciplinary taskforce from Bangkok led by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). Officials from the environmental agency, building control, provincial administration and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) joined the operation targeting the disputed “One World” condo project in Bang Tao.
“We are examining allegations of corruption in the EIA approval and other essential building permits.”
said Suwat Saowaran, director of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) office in Phuket.
Residents complain of dust, noise and broken promises
The investigation request originated with the regional PACC chief after angry complaints from residents in the upscale Bang Tao area, where three seven-storey buildings with more than 200 units were under construction. Locals reported constant construction dust, deafening noise and dangerous heavy truck traffic on narrow roads, and demanded an immediate halt to building and full compliance with existing conditions. They also questioned the transparency of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), alleging that photos of them were used in the favourable report without their consent.
Inspection finds lax enforcement and missing safeguards
The large-scale inspection produced sobering results, confirming that several condo projects in Cherng Talay had violated imposed conditions. Authorities responsible for oversight had not fully enforced environmental monitoring duties, which officials said had worsened the impact of construction on nearby residents. At the “One World” site, required protective barriers against dust and noise, a site monitoring unit and safety measures for heavy traffic were reportedly missing until August.
NACC opens formal corruption probe
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) then took over the case for a full investigation. At the centre was suspicion that the necessary EIA and other critical building permits had been obtained through corrupt acts.
“We will clarify the case transparently and thoroughly.”
said an NACC spokesperson, adding that if the allegations were confirmed, those responsible for the project would face severe consequences.
Provincial authorities summon developers
Following the inspection, the provincial administration, acting through the Damrongtham Centre ombuds office, intervened. Officials planned to summon the developers for urgent talks aimed at agreeing on immediate measures to relieve the public. The PACC also recommended that all involved agencies significantly strengthen their environmental monitoring and legal enforcement, with written orders to follow.
Wider battle over Phuket’s development model
Authorities described the “One World” dispute as a symbol of the struggle between aggressive profit-seeking and preserving quality of life on Phuket. Thalang district chief Siwat Rawangkun summarised local sentiment, stating:
“The community has made it clear that development must not come at the expense of residents’ health, safety or environment.”
said Siwat Rawangkun, Thalang district chief. Observers on the island were watching the investigation closely, viewing its outcome as a test of whether raw power or the rule of law would shape Phuket’s future development.