Premchai’s firm being probed for encroachment in Phuket
PHUKET’S Ao Po Grand Marina has coming under investigation because Italian-Thai Development Plc President Premchai Karnasuta is a shareholder and residents on the island want to ascertain whether this company encroached into a mangrove forest, the Thai-language daily Matichon reported today (Feb. 17).
Premchai and his party were arrested last week on the charges of hunting wild animals on the west side of Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi but later released on bail.
Yesterday Mr Chatuporn Burutphat, the head of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, ordered officials to investigate Ao Po Grand Marina Company, in which Premchai is a shareholder and operates the marina of the name.
They were told to ascertain whether this company obtained a correct permit from the Harbor department and Transport Ministry for the land and coastal stretch it occupies, and whether it encroached into a mangrove forest, also whether there is a title deed.
The department took this action upon being requested to do so by the people living on the island and this is not attempt to tag on to the ongoing scandal, he said.
The result of this investigation should be out by Monday February 19, 2018, Chatuporn added.
Ao Po Grand Marina opened for business in 2008 and can accommodate boats and yachts of all sizes including superyachts of over 100 meters. It has 300 berths and offers basic services, such as electricity and fuel, as well as various other facilities, such as a restaurant and fitness center.
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Top: Ao Po Grand Marina which is strategically located at the gateway to Phang Nga Bay. Photo: Matichon
In-text: Premchai when he was arrested at west side of Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi. Photo: Sanook.com
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