Court orders BMA to demolish illegal parts of Aetas hotel in Ruamrudee

It has been nearly two years since the Supreme Administrative Court ruled on October 30, 2014 for partial dismantling of the Aetas hotel and residences within 60 days after finding construction of the hotel violated the law. 

The court recognised Pathumwan director had stopped construction and use of the building after the ruling, but also said its efforts were incomplete and in delay. It said officials had claimed they were waiting for an appeal by firms against the order and another lawsuit filed at the Administrative Court against the governor and district director but they could not argue with the Supreme Administrative Court ruling, as it was final and had concluded that the width of Ruamrudee was less than 10 metres.

The court warned any further delay could lead to a Bt50,000 fine and a notification to the administrators’ supervisors or the prime minister to launch disciplinary punishment on them.

The court Friday instructed the BMA governor and Pathumwan director to exercise their power under Article 42-a43 of the Buildings Control Act BE 2522 (1979) to order a building owner or occupant to demolish the building fully or partially within a given timeframe (at least 30 days) and via legal means. The law stated that a failure to demolish the building as ordered could result in arrest and officials’ tearing down the place at the owner’s expense.