On August 13, 2024, Pattaya City officials, led by Deputy Mayor Manoth Nongyai, inspected the development progress of the controversial land at Wat Sam Seang on Big Buddha Hill, Pattaya. The land, which spans over five rai, was the subject of a prolonged legal dispute between Pattaya City and a local foundation responsible for the site’s development.
The ongoing dispute centers around the alleged encroachment on public land by the Wat Sam Seang Foundation, which constructed various religious structures on the site. Pattaya City officials had previously argued that these constructions were illegal encroachments, prompting legal actions under the Building Control Act.
The administrative court had ruled that Pattaya City’s orders were legally sound. The case escalated through the criminal justice system, culminating in the Pattaya District Court finding the foundation guilty of encroaching on public land. The court imposed a fine and a suspended sentence, recognizing the defendant’s age and intent to develop the previously unused land into a tourist attraction. The judgment also mandated the return of the land to the state.
Recently, Deputy Mayor Nongyai, along with key figures including Boontien Chansuk, Director of the Engineering Office, and Suraya Kaewkiew, Director of Building Control, visited the Wat Sam Seang site. Their purpose was to assess the progress of converting the five-rai area into a public park for community and tourist use.
Deputy Mayor Nongyai explained that the land had been under scrutiny for years. In 2002, Pattaya City authorities discovered unauthorized constructions, including a Guan Yu shrine and a 40-meter wall. While the city took measures to evict the encroachers, the strong religious sentiments surrounding the site led to a decision not to dismantle the religious structures. The court’s directive for the removal of the shrine and wall will be addressed in a forthcoming meeting to determine the best approach to managing the site.
The area remains a significant place of worship and a tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to pay their respects. The ongoing efforts aim to balance public access with respect for the site’s cultural and religious importance.
