Here are new rules to consider before you build in Phuket: expert

Hillside and cliffside developments in the Thai island require careful planning

Developers who want to build on vantage points, promontories, and other plots of significant terrain in Phuket will need to contend with the government’s new environmental regulations for the touristy Thai island, a leading hospitality consultant said.

Under rules issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, structures are forbidden from being built on land with a gradient or slope of 35 percent and above, significantly down from the previous threshold of 50 percent.

Additionally, if the area is elevated more than 40 metres, a building must not be six metres high. A building sited in an area elevated below 40 metres must not be 40 metres high.

“Who are the winners and losers for development? Hillside condominium projects certainly will become more difficult as will cliff hugging hotels,” reported Bill Barnett, managing director of the hotel consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

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