PATTAYA, Thailand – A three-rai plot of land at Bali Hai Pier has been returned to its owner following a seven-year legal dispute, with enforcement officials carrying out a court-ordered handover on October 26. More than 60 police officers and special operations personnel accompanied enforcement officials during the operation, which began at 11am. The handover covered parking areas and spaces used for boat parking and storage.
However, a restaurant building on the property remains subject to a separate dispute, with the court scheduled to review progress on November 2. More than 10 people initially objected to the operation, prompting officials to negotiate with them for approximately 15 minutes. The handover proceeded peacefully.
Officials inspected CCTV equipment, an electrical transformer, tents, tables and chairs before returning the items to the defendants. Vehicles belonging to tourists visiting Koh Larn were also to be released to their owners. Boat operators using the storage area under sublease arrangements were advised to discuss future arrangements with the company. Archa Land Co., Ltd. representatives said the company had received no rental income from the property for more than seven years but had continued paying annual land taxes to Pattaya City exceeding 47,000 baht.
The company said it intended to develop and use the land for lawful business purposes. It would continue pursuing the outstanding handover of the restaurant building and take legal action over any unlawful interference with its property rights.
