Governor Chatchat explained that Bangkok is hastening the inspection of the Jewish Association building on Sukhumvit 22. Visanu revealed that a letter objecting to the plans will soon be issued to ensure compliance with the law, emphasizing that applicants for cemetery establishment must be Thai nationals only. Tags: [Bangkok, building inspection, Jewish Association, Sukhumvit 22, cemetery regulations]
On 14 September 2026, Governor Chatchat Sitthiphan of Bangkok, together with Visanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and the Health Department, held a press conference at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha) to clarify the case concerning the construction and modification permit application for the Jewish Association of Thailand’s building on Sukhumvit 22, including issues related to cemetery establishment. Tags: [Bangkok, press conference, Jewish Association, building permit, cemetery]
Governor Chatchat stated that establishing associations falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Provincial Administration, while Bangkok is only responsible for building permit approvals, setbacks, safety, and building plans in accordance with building control laws. Tags: [Bangkok, building permit, association establishment, legal jurisdiction, safety regulations]
Visanu added that the Jewish Association has submitted permit applications three times. The first was for constructing a six-story building with two basement levels, but the permit expired and construction did not proceed. The second was a notification for building modifications, which has since been canceled and the construction notification permit was not renewed. Tags: [permit applications, Jewish Association, building construction, modifications]
The most recent submission in July 2026 was a notification for building modifications under Section 39 bis of the Building Control Act. Once the documents are submitted to the local official, the applicant may begin construction immediately, while the official has 120 days to inspect the plans and issue any objections. Tags: [building modification, Section 39 bis, Building Control Act, permit process, inspection period]
. Tags: [] Currently, Bangkok is preparing an objection letter regarding the building plans that do not comply with building control laws to send to the applicant. If corrections are not made within the specified timeframe, the modification request will be canceled immediately. Tags: [building plans, objection letter, compliance, permit cancellation]
The permit application documents state the building’s intended use as office and religious purposes, which may classify it as a public building, assembly building, special building, or controlled-use building under building control laws. Therefore, Bangkok must rigorously inspect the plans regarding setbacks, clearances, and safety standards applicable to that building type. Upon completion, the building must pass inspection and receive a construction completion certificate from local officials before it can be opened for use. Tags: [building classification, safety standards, inspection, construction certificate]
The Governor emphasized that Bangkok’s current inspection focuses on the building’s classification and safety standards under the law, not the activities within the association. If future activities cause public nuisance or disturbance, Bangkok will exercise its legal authority to regulate accordingly. Tags: [inspection scope, building safety, public nuisance, regulatory authority]
Regarding the excavation of basements, Bangkok explained that this is common engineering practice in the city due to land price constraints and building height limits in narrow alleys. Engineers design and supervise safety according to standards and relevant laws. Additionally, the Bangkok Health Department clarified that, under the law, only Thai nationals—whether individuals or legal entities—who own or possess the land may apply to establish cemeteries or crematoriums; foreigners are not permitted to submit such applications. Tags: [basement excavation, engineering standards, cemetery establishment, nationality requirement, Bangkok Health Department]