TCC Uncovers Construction Law Breaches
Residents’ Complaints Prompt Investigation
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has identified 13 high-rise projects in Bangkok that may violate construction regulations, raising alarms about public safety. Following complaints from 11 communities, TCC’s probe revealed non-compliance with approved designs and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standards, sparking calls for stricter oversight.
Deviations from Approved Plans Exposed
Unauthorized Changes Threaten Safety
Investigations by the TCC found that these projects strayed from their original blueprints, with some failing to meet mandatory EIA requirements. Such deviations, particularly in areas like Ratchayothin and Ratchadaphisek, compromise structural integrity and safety, highlighting the need for rigorous enforcement of construction laws.
Road Clearance Violations Detected
Emergency Access Blocked by Developers
Many projects breached Ministerial Regulation No. 33, which requires a 6-meter-wide clearance around high-rises for emergency access. Instead, developers repurposed these spaces for EV charging stations, gyms, or decorative ponds, obstructing routes critical for fire trucks and rescue services.
Misleading Developer Practices
Advertised Plans Don’t Match Reality
TCC’s assistant secretary, Pornprom Okuchi, noted discrepancies between developers’ advertisements and actual construction plans in key Bangkok districts like Saphan Khwai. These mismatches mislead buyers and undermine trust, as promised features often fail to align with EIA documentation or legal standards.
Emergency Access Converted to Amenities
Cafés and Gardens Replace Vital Roads
In 11 of the surveyed projects, spaces designated for emergency access were transformed into cafés, gardens, or badminton courts, leaving no room for essential services. These violations pose significant risks during emergencies, prompting TCC to demand inspections by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Strict Legal Standards Ignored
Even Minor Obstructions Deemed Illegal
Legal expert Sinit Boonsit from the Department of Public Works emphasized that high-rise buildings must maintain a clear 6-meter-wide road, free from obstructions like plant pots. Non-compliance with these regulations endangers residents and violates Bangkok’s stringent building codes.
TCC Pushes for BMA Action
Inspections Urged for 10 Projects
The TCC has called on the BMA to investigate 10 of the flagged projects, both completed and ongoing, to ensure compliance with construction laws. This proactive stance aims to safeguard residents and restore confidence in Bangkok’s booming high-rise sector amid growing safety concerns.
