On August 28, 2019, Mr. Pricha Ekkunagool, the CEO and Managing Director of Central Pattana Public Company Limited, announced that throughout the company's 39 years of operation, it has maintained professionalism and adhered to principles of good governance and legality. However, there have been recent reports causing confusion regarding the Central Village project, which has been in development for five years. He reaffirmed that all procedures have been followed correctly and that the necessary legal approvals have been obtained from the relevant authorities. Since 2015, the company has verified that the land can be developed for the Central Village project in accordance with the Town Planning Act and is accessible via Highway No. 370, confirming it is not a blind spot of land.

          Additionally, on December 22, 2016, the company received a land use certificate under the Town Planning Act, stating that the green area in zone G1-10 of Samut Prakan's city plan has sufficient space for the company to legally construct this project. On January 30, 2017, and July 25, 2019, the company obtained construction permits and internal modification plans from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). On April 24, 2018, it received a building construction permit (A1) from Bang Chalong Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

          Mr. Pricha continued that on April 24, 2018, the company held its first public announcement of the project. On April 10, 2019, the Department of Highways permitted the waterworks to use the shoulder area for laying pipes into the Central Village project. On July 24, 2019, the Department of Highways authorized the construction of access roads, expansion of traffic lanes, and improvement of sidewalks, including the shoulder area, similar to approvals granted to 37 other applicants on this road, including Airports of Thailand (AOT), which has consistently sought permission from the Department of Highways. Most recently, on May 14, 2019, a letter from the Department of Highways allowed AOT to lay underground electrical conduits and manholes.

          On August 14, 2019, the company received an occupancy permit (A6) from Bang Chalong Subdistrict Administrative Organization. Subsequently, on August 22, 2019, AOT blocked the entrance to the Central Village project, which is scheduled to open on August 31, 2019.

          “We have been exploring various solutions, including negotiations, as legal resolutions take time. This situation not only affects our company but also our partners and brands. Contractors have faced difficulties working for over a week. We hope all parties can find a proper resolution, as we still aim to open on August 31. We may negotiate to remove tents or barriers temporarily. If there are concerns, we are open to discussions. However, if the court rules in our favor, we will assess the extent of damages, not just for the company but also for the brands involved. Regardless of the administrative court's ruling, we have contingency plans and are ready to negotiate with all relevant parties, as unilateral interpretations are inappropriate,” Mr. Pricha stated.

          Furthermore, the Central Village project appeals to the government for fairness and assistance in resolving various issues. The project represents a joint investment of over 5 billion baht from CPN and more than 150 retail stores. Once operational, it is expected to create jobs for over 1,000 employees in the retail spaces and generate over 30 billion baht in revenue for domestic businesses. If opened on August 31, it is anticipated that 70% of operations will be functional.

 
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