CAAT insists it gave the go-ahead for 'Central Village'

CAAT insists it gave the go-ahead for 'Central Village'

Central Village, which bills itself as Thailand’s first international luxury shopping outlet, is nearing completion alongside Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province. (Photo supplied)
Central Village, which bills itself as Thailand’s first international luxury shopping outlet, is nearing completion alongside Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province. (Photo supplied)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirms it gave the green light for a five-billion-baht luxury shopping outlet next to Suvarnabhumi airport, the launch of which is planned for next month.

The Central Village project, developed by Central Pattana (CPN) Plc, came under scrutiny by Airports of Thailand (AoT), which raised doubts over whether it was approved by the CAAT since its location is close to the aviation pathway.

The AoT said the developer needed to submit the project's design to the CAAT for examination to ensure aviation safety.

But CAAT director-general Chula Sukmanop on Thursday stressed the project was approved by the CAAT on July 6 last year as its structures are less than 23 metres high and so pose no aviation risk.

"The location is in the aviation safe zone and the project can proceed," said Mr Chula.

CPN plans to open the new shopping mall at the end of next month, targeting the young and affluent.

CPN on Thursday insisted all of the processes involving the project have been legitimate.

According to CPN, Central Village was granted a construction permit by the relevant state agencies.

Each building in the complex is less than 2,000 square metres and 23 metres high.

The land where the project is located was bought from a private entity, it said.

"Although the project is near Suvarnabhumi airport, it is not situated on or does not trespass into any area of the airport or any plot of land that belongs to any government organisation," it added.

Central Village was authorised to carry out construction in the Air Navigation Safety Zone close to Suvarnabhumi airport by the CAAT, the company said.

CPN said Central Village will contribute to tourists' experiences, the economy, local community development and employment as well as enriching the quality of life of nearby residents.

It would help elevate the area to be among the best aerotropolises in the world, according to the company.

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