The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is moving ahead with the planned demolition of the Aetas Hotel, seeking a budget of 200 million baht to fund the costs.
Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the BMA's Public Works Department has estimated the demolition costs will be around 200 million baht and the budget will be forwarded to him for approval when ready.
He was speaking after putting up a "Use of the building is not allowed" notice at the Aetas Hotel in Soi Ruamrudee in Pathumwan district as a prelude to the demolition process.
The demolition has been delayed for almost two years despite an order by the Supreme Administrative Court in December 2014 that the Bangkok governor and the chief of Pathumwan district should oversee the demolition of the Aetas Bangkok Hotel within 60 days.
The 25-storey hotel was found to be unlawfully built because the road outside was too narrow to accommodate a hotel of that size, according to the city's construction ordinances.
Pol Gen Aswin said the BMA asked the project owner to demolish the building but they declined so it will take the matter into its own hands. City Hall will sue the owners to recoup the 200 million baht in expenses, he added.
He said the demolition work is expected to begin in late February next year and the BMA will see to it that the residents comply with its notice.
A daily fine rate which might cost up to 30,000 baht maximum will be imposed in the vent of violations.
According to the governor, the owners have insisted they will appeal but that will not stop the BMA from enforcing the court ruling.
"Unless there is a new court order, the BMA will have to proceed," he said.
Pinyo Sawatsit, adviser to the hotel's owners, said he has new evidence to appeal the ruling and the owners will pay the BMA fines while preparing their case.
