Bangkok: Representatives from a prominent real estate company, accompanied by their lawyer Saiyut Pengbunchu, have approached the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to address allegations of abandoning a substantial house construction project valued at over 300 million baht. The lawyer attributed the delay to a labor shortage caused by the ongoing Thai-Cambodian conflict, which resulted in over 90% of the workforce fleeing, thereby stalling progress on the project. Negotiations with affected parties are currently in progress.
According to Thai News Agency, the issue came to light when victims filed a complaint with Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The complaint was prompted by the company’s failure to complete house constructions, with individual homes priced between 3 and 10 million baht, leading to damages exceeding 300 million baht as of September 18, 2025.
In response to the allegations, lawyer Saiyut Pengbunchu, representing the real estate company, presented documentation to the police today. He expressed the company’s concern about the accusations being portrayed as fraudulent. The company emphasized its efforts to resolve the matter, despite perceiving the victims’ actions as a public nuisance, necessitating an official clarification with relevant documents.
Lawyer Saiyut highlighted that since 2018, the company has successfully delivered over 1,700 houses without issues. The delays on approximately 200 ongoing constructions are attributed to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. With nearly 90% of the workers being Cambodian, their recent departure significantly impacted the project’s progress. Saiyut clarified that only a handful of actual victims exist, including a high-ranking soldier who allegedly incited others to claim victimhood.
The company submitted essential documents to the authorities, including employment contracts, Line chat conversations, evidence of labor shortages, and work progress photos. While some houses are completed, others remain unfinished, requiring individual negotiations to resolve discrepancies in payment and completion status.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew confirmed that the business owners provided clarification today. The company acknowledged that around 10-20 houses remain unfinished and has been instructed to negotiate compensation options with the victims, whether through continued construction or financial reimbursement.
The contractor reported completing nearly 2,000 houses and is expected to provide evidence to substantiate these claims. Verification will involve contacting completed homeowners. Should discrepancies arise, further discussions will determine necessary actions. It is imperative that both parties receive fair treatment, ensuring that if victims file complaints, the police will proceed with an investigation.
The contractor asserted that the project is over 90% complete, with a minimal percentage remaining unfinished. However, victim claims of 100-200 damaged houses persist, necessitating further investigation by authorities.