Authorities found that most of the 52 villas on a hilltop on Koh Samui under investigation for land encroachment did not have construction permits.
An inspection of the properties was conducted by the "Samui Model", a joint task force comprising members of the Fourth Army Region, the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 and local authorities.
Their inspection kicked off last month, focusing on villas built on a hill on the resort island in Surat Thani province.
According to the Fourth Army Region's deputy commander, Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, the authorities were investigating a compound located on Khao Chaweng Noi Ridge.
It found that 90% of the 52 luxurious three-storey villas in the compound were built without a construction permit and on hill slopes that were higher than the law allowed, Maj Gen Anusorn said.
The property's landowners showed the land deeds and related documents upon the force's arrival, but they refused to let the authorities into the area, he said.
The team suspects that the Environmental Act, Building Control Act, Hotel Act and Foreign Business Act are being violated in some areas such as Khao Lamai in tambon Maret, Khao Tai Khwai in tambon Lipa Noi, Khao Chaweng Noi and Khao Ma Nheng in tambon Bo Put, and Khao Laem Yai and Khao Toei in tambon Maenam.
