The Provincial Administration Department is investigating the legality of the construction of Central Village mall near Suvarnabhumi airport, which project owner Central Pattana insists is legitimate.

Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said at Government House on Tuesday that there might be a problem concerning city planning. It was under the jurisdiction of a local tambon administrative organisation (TAO) and the local district chief.

The airport operator, Airports of Thailand, has challenged the 184-rai luxury mall development, which it said could cause traffic congestion on roads to Suvarnabhumi, and that lighting in the area poses an aviation risk as it could confuse pilots during landing. It also alleges the developer lacked proper authorisation.

The mall is on the side of Highway 370, a road accessing the southern boundary of Suvarnabhumi airport.

"If the TAO finds the project legal, it should send a supporting report. But if it is not legal, there will be a further investigation and prosecution," Gen Anupong said.

The project owner, Central Pattana Plc (CPN) said in a statement on Monday night it had developed the project legally over the past five years and had legitimate permission for the construction from the Highways Department, the Bang Chalong TAO and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand regarding the use of land and buildings and access to the highway in front of the project site and aviation safety.

The 5-billion-baht luxury mall had been scheduled to open this Saturday. The CPN statement said AoT had blocked the entrance last Thursday.