Bangkok prepares objections to Jewish association building plans in 120-day review

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to issue formal objections to building-alteration plans submitted by the Jewish Association of Thailand for premises in Sukhumvit Soi 22, city officials said on Monday (September 14, 2026). Officials said elements of the plans did not comply with building-control requirements and would need to be corrected within the prescribed period.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon and representatives of the BMA’s Public Works and Health departments outlined the city’s position on the association’s Sukhumvit 22 building project, alongside a separate clarification concerning cemetery applications.

Wisanu said the BMA was preparing a written objection for the applicant. Failure to make the required revisions within the specified period would result in immediate cancellation of the building-alteration submission, he said.

Bangkok reviews July filing under 120-day procedure

Wisanu said the association’s latest submission, filed in July 2026, was a notification of building alterations under Section 39 bis of the Building Control Act. The procedure allows work to begin once the required notification process has been completed, while local officials have 120 days to examine the plans and raise objections.

The 120-day period concerns the local authority’s review, rather than the applicant’s time to make corrections. Under the building-control procedure, the authority specifies the correction period in its objection notice.

Wisanu said the association had made three submissions in total. The first sought permission for one six-storey building with two basement levels, but the permit expired and construction did not proceed.

The association’s second submission was a notification of building alterations, Wisanu said. That notification was subsequently cancelled, and the notification acknowledgement was not renewed.

Sukhumvit 22 building must pass inspection before use

BMA officials said the association’s building would have to pass an inspection and receive a completion certificate from the local authority before opening for use. The plans must satisfy the safety requirements applicable to the building’s legal classification.

The association’s documents specify office and religious uses, BMA officials said. Those purposes could bring the premises within categories including a public building, an assembly building, a special building or a controlled-use building, requiring close examination of spacing, setbacks and the relevant safety standards.

Chadchart said responsibility for establishing and registering associations rests with the Department of Provincial Administration. The BMA’s role in this case concerns construction permission, building plans, setbacks and safety under building-control legislation.

Chadchart stressed that the current review concerns the building’s classification and safety standards, not activities inside the premises. However, if activities after the building opens cause a public nuisance, the BMA would exercise its powers under the relevant laws, he said.

Bangkok describes basement excavation as standard practice

The BMA said basement excavation is normal engineering practice in Bangkok, where high land prices and building-height restrictions in narrow sois can constrain development. Such work must be designed and supervised by engineers in accordance with applicable safety standards and legislation.

Health Department gives separate cemetery eligibility statement

In a separate clarification, the BMA’s Health Department said applicants seeking permission to establish a cemetery or crematorium must own or lawfully possess the land and must be either a Thai national or a Thai legal entity.

The Health Department said foreign nationals could not apply to establish a cemetery.