Pattaya, Thailand – The long-standing legal saga surrounding the Waterfront Condominium in Pattaya which we have covered for many years here at The Pattaya News is nearing a resolution, as the Department of Lands prepares to decide imminently whether to revoke or uphold the property’s title deed. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet provided an update on the case, which has been unresolved for over a decade.
According to Mayor Poramese, approximately two years ago, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Region 2 notified Pattaya City and Banglamung District that the land certificate (N.S.3) underpinning the condominium’s title deed was issued unlawfully. The document, derived from an earlier S.K.1 certificate, was deemed invalid because it was issued for land not previously occupied, in violation of a Ministry of Interior regulation designating the area as a restricted hill or mountain zone.
Both Pattaya City and Banglamung District concurred and agreed with the NACC’s findings, declaring the land public property, and have formally responded to the NACC, as they prefer to demolish the building. The matter now rests with the Department of Lands, which will determine in the very near future whether to revoke or maintain the title deed. Mayor Poramese stated that Pattaya City is prepared to act based on the Department’s decision.
If the title deed is revoked, Pattaya City and Banglamung District will require the building’s owner to demolish the structure in accordance with the Ministry of Interior’s 2010 regulations. If the title deed is upheld, Pattaya City will consider requests to modify the building to allow the project to proceed under relevant building control and legal frameworks. However, they also note major public opposition to the project continuing especially from certain environmental groups and dozens of lawsuits that could further impact this option and drag the matter out longer.
In the interim, Pattaya City has prioritized safety measures around the condominium, working with the project’s owner to prevent debris from falling and endangering residents and tourists. The issue has drawn significant attention, with a senator previously raising questions about the project’s progress, and more recently, a Chonburi District 9 MP submitting inquiries to the Minister of Interior. Each time, the Ministry of Interior has referred the matter to Pattaya City and Banglamung District, with the latter delegating Pattaya City to respond to the Minister.
The Pattaya News notes an exact date for a decision, long awaited, was not given but is believed to be imminent as the matter continues to draw major public attention and some Pattaya City officials have different plans for the Bali Hai Pier area versus having a condominium in the area.
