Bangkok Invests 24 Million Baht to Study and Develop Lat Krabang as a Suburban Community Center
Bangkok is investing 24 million baht to study the development of the Lat Krabang area into a "suburban community center." The project aims to plan development in accordance with the area's potential, improve transportation connectivity, and address traffic congestion by creating employment opportunities closer to residential areas.
Mr. Thaiwut Khankaew, Director of the Urban Planning and Development Office, revealed that Lat Krabang has been identified as a high-growth area with significant projects that serve as both employment hubs and large residential areas. However, the area's full potential has not been realized due to inadequate public transportation and a lack of systematic development, which is currently concentrated along main roads.
To address these challenges, the Office of Urban Planning and Development (OPDO) has engaged City Plan Professional Co., Ltd. and PSK Consultants Co., Ltd. to conduct a study and develop a master plan for the Lat Krabang area. The study will define the area's role, promote development with legal and urban planning measures, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The project will focus on improving public transportation systems, land use, and traffic management to enhance the quality of life and create a balance between work and living spaces. This will reduce the need for commuting into the city center.
The OPDO has held seminars to gather input on the master plan guidelines and is currently conducting further seminars on developing areas with high potential. Additionally, the Department of Highways and the State Railway of Thailand have been consulted on the project, particularly regarding the development of transit areas around the Airport Rail Link Lat Krabang Station and the mini-transfer point at Phra Chom Klao Railway Station.
Both agencies have agreed to allow SWED to design specific area plans for the Lat Krabang Suburban Community Center and adjacent areas. The study results are expected to be presented in November and will serve as a guideline for future development.
Survey of Double-Track Railway Impact Extended to End of Year
Songkhla Focus
The Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) has requested an extension until the end of the year to complete its survey of residents affected by the Hat Yai-Songkhla and Hat Yai-Sadao double-track railway construction project. To date, data from 4,183 out of 8,716 affected households have been entered into the system.
On May 7, 2024, a meeting of the working group addressing housing issues related to the project was held at the Songkhla Province Office of Social Development and Human Security. Chaired by Deputy Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, the meeting included representatives from CODI, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and local community organizations.
Deputy Governor Amnuay emphasized the collaborative effort between community organizations and government agencies to address the concerns of residents affected by the railway construction. He noted that over 8,000 cases have been processed in Songkhla Province, with approximately 4,000 households surveyed so far.
To expedite the remaining surveys, the province will establish a working group consisting of district chiefs, local government organizations, and SRT representatives. The goal is to ensure accurate and complete data collection, facilitating the SRT's housing solutions for affected residents.
The SRT's policy allows villagers living on unused land to rent it, providing a secure living situation. The province, as the area's owner, is committed to finding equitable and transparent solutions for its residents.
Chaiya Phonkhang, Director of the Rim Rang Community Housing Development Office (CODI), stated that forums have been held to inform residents about the project and its potential impact. However, challenges such as inconsistencies between community lists and local lists, as well as missing names, have hindered progress.
CODI has proposed extending the data collection deadline to the end of 2024 to address these issues and ensure accurate data for the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.
The meeting participants agreed in principle to the extension, with further discussions planned with the SRT to finalize the operational details.
As of April 30, 2024, data from 4,183 households have been entered into the system, with 3,455 households in the process of being added. Data collection is ongoing for the remaining 1,078 households.
Songkhla Province aims to complete the initial data collection by May 2024, using the remaining time until the end of the year to develop housing models and secure land for affected residents.
Additional action items proposed at the meeting include addressing discrepancies in household numbers, resolving inconsistencies between community lists and local lists, and establishing a local corrections committee to build trust and reduce conflicts with the community.
"Phumitham Inspects Progress of Southern Border Development Projects" | Daily News Website
Source: Daily News Website
Wednesday, June 05, 2024, 18:22
Phumitham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, along with a delegation, visited the southern border to inspect the progress of regional development projects, emphasizing the transformation of conflict zones into commercial areas to foster peace.
On June 5, Phumitham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, in his capacity as Chairman of the Strategic Committee for Southern Border Provinces Development (SBPAC), along with key officials including Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kocharak, Secretary-General of SBPAC, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak, Commander of the Fourth Army Region, and the Deputy Governor of Narathiwat, visited the Su-ngai Kolok Customs House in Narathiwat. They held a meeting to review the progress of elevating and developing Thailand's southern border provinces in coordination with the adjacent Malaysian state, aiming to establish them as twin cities.
Phumitham stated that his visit aimed to gather insights from all sectors, including the government, private sector, local citizens, youth, and religious leaders, to better understand the area's challenges and achievements. This understanding would inform policy development and implementation to maximize benefits for the populace. The government's goal is to transform conflict zones into commercial hubs to create peace in the southern border provinces. Current initiatives include developing twin cities, upgrading the Su-ngai Kolok Customs House, and constructing the second Golok River bridge, which is expected to materialize more concretely by 2026. These initiatives are driven by SBPAC's work, calling for cooperation from all parties for the benefit of the southern border and the nation.
Phumitham and his team also inspected the progress of constructing the parallel bridge across the Golok River in Su-ngai Kolok, designed as a ship's structure by Malaysia, reflecting the shared wisdom of both nations. The project's progress was discussed at a joint technical meeting between Thailand and Malaysia in January, covering site surveys in Thailand, design adjustments, project details, and timelines. The Department of Highways is currently conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) since the bridge site is on land owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and has long been inhabited by residents. Thus, consultations with local communities are necessary to minimize impacts.
The Buriram Provincial Land Office has notified the authorized representative of the State Railway of Thailand to attend a meeting to discuss and schedule a survey to inspect the boundaries of the State Railway of Thailand's land in the Khao Kradong area, Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province. The meeting resolved that the Department of Lands (Buriram Provincial Land Office) would preliminarily set up a plan for surveying and inspecting the land boundaries in the Khao Kradong junction area, Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province, during June-July 2024.
Treasury Department Plans to Revoke Land Expropriation at Mo Chit to Benefit "Complex" Project; Suriya Rejects Old Plan to Relocate Bus Station
Source: Thairath Online
Saturday, June 08, 2024 09:40
The Ministry of Transport has firmly rejected the relocation of the bus terminal back to the old Mo Chit station, deeming it inappropriate and unnecessary. In June, there will be a meeting to revoke the previous resolution by the Commission for the Management of Land Traffic (CMLT) that allowed for the construction of an elevated road to access the Mo Chit Complex project, connecting to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. This decision follows informal discussions with the Treasury Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Meanwhile, residents of the old Mo Chit area have submitted letters to Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the Finance Minister, Deputy Finance Minister, and the Treasury Department, urging them not to renew the Royal Decree on land expropriation and opposing the construction of the elevated road, which they claim benefits private developers at the expense of the local community. Governor Chadchart emphasized that the interests of the people should come first, not those of private developers.
On June 7 at 10:00 AM, residents from the old Mo Chit community, affected by the land expropriation plan for the elevated road, gathered at Bangkok City Hall to submit a letter to Governor Chadchart, requesting confirmation that the BMA does not intend to renew the Royal Decree, which is set to expire in August 2024. Governor Chadchart personally received the letter and listened to the residents' concerns, stating that he would review the matter. Currently, no agency has indicated an intention to renew the decree. Discussions with the Treasury Department and the Ministry of Transport will determine the next steps.
Governor Chadchart stated that the land expropriation for the road to the Mo Chit Complex is an old project and requires updating to assess its current necessity. This involves consultations with the Ministry of Transport and the Treasury Department. Residents are concerned that relocating the bus terminal back to its original site will worsen traffic congestion. There is a suggestion to connect the bus terminal with the Red Line and high-speed rail near Bang Sue, which is deemed more appropriate. Detailed discussions will continue between relevant parties.
The governor also mentioned that any decision to expropriate land must consider the nature of the complex and whether it includes the bus terminal or is solely for residential use. The interests of the people and the overall impact must be prioritized in consultations with involved agencies. The BMA's primary focus is on the well-being of residents, not on benefiting major investors.
Following their visit to City Hall, the residents proceeded to the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury Department, submitting letters to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Phai Choonhawan, Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, and Treasury Department Director-General Chamroen Potiyod, who oversees the Mo Chit Complex project with the private sector. They urged the cancellation of the elevated road project, which they argue only benefits private developers. Since the bus terminal will not be relocated back to the old Mo Chit site, they contend that there is no justification for expropriating land for project access, especially at the public's expense. They also called for an investigation into the project's transparency.
Winintorn Preechapinijakorn, a representative of the old Mo Chit community, stated that the ongoing four-yearly land expropriation extensions cause significant distress to residents who have lived there for nearly 30 years. This situation prevents them from buying or selling land or repairing homes due to fears of expropriation. She urged the cancellation of the elevated road project, arguing that the 2-billion-baht expenditure for a private project is unjustifiable and lacks public benefit. She also requested an investigation into the project's transparency.
"We do not oppose progress or the Mo Chit Complex project. We just want fair implementation that does not harm long-standing residents. Expropriation affects over 100 households, and we urge the authorities to cancel the renewal of the expropriation decree set to expire in August," said Winintorn.
Visakorn Sukhchoy, Director of the Bangkok Treasury Administration Division, who received the letter, stated that the community's concerns would be discussed with relevant agencies, including the BMA, the Ministry of Transport, the Land Transport Department, the Transport Company, and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning. The aim is to gather comprehensive feedback and update the project to reflect current societal conditions.
At 2:00 PM, Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul visited the community at Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 5 to hear their concerns. He stated that he would discuss the matter further with involved agencies to consider economic, social, and current situational aspects, aiming for a decision before the expropriation decree expires in August 2024.
"We cannot provide an immediate answer on canceling the decree renewal. It requires thorough consideration by multiple parties, adhering strictly to legal procedures," Paophum remarked.
Treasury Department Director-General Chamroen Potiyod said a meeting would be scheduled with relevant agencies, as instructed by the Deputy Finance Minister, to address the issue and provide clarity to affected residents. All actions must follow legal procedures, and any decision must be supported by comprehensive documentation.
The Ministry of Transport previously concluded that there is no need to use the old Mo Chit station for the bus terminal. The ministry prefers developing a new, modern terminal near Bang Sue Grand Station, similar to Tokyo Station in Japan, to facilitate easy travel connections for long-distance train passengers. In August 2023, the Ministry of Transport informed the Treasury Department of its opposition to the elevated road project. A meeting will soon be held to revoke the previous CMLT resolution supporting the project, as both the Ministry of Transport and BMA now agree that it is unnecessary.
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the bus terminal would not be relocated to the old Mo Chit site. The land belongs to the Treasury Department under the Ministry of Finance, and any changes must be discussed with them. The Ministry of Transport prefers to develop new facilities near Bang Sue Grand Station, enhancing connectivity for various modes of transport, including suburban, dual-track, and high-speed trains, as well as linking to the Red Line and Blue Line subway systems.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Transport opposes using the old Mo Chit station for the bus terminal and is against constructing the elevated road project. Future plans will focus on developing a modern transport hub at Bang Sue, following extensive consultations and legal processes.
Prime Minister Follows Development of Chiang Mai Railway Park to Become City's Green Lungs, Honoring His Majesty the King
Source: Siamrath Website, Saturday, June 8, 2024 14:48
At 12:40 pm on June 8, at Chiang Mai Railway Park, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister, visited to follow up on the development of the railway park. The Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization is negotiating to use 62 rai (around 25 acres) of land belonging to the State Railway of Thailand, located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, to develop it into a public park for the people of Chiang Mai province to use together. This is to make merit for His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 72nd birthday anniversary. Originally, this area was abandoned land not being utilized, with only homeless people residing there.
The Prime Minister said that the next step is for the State Railway to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Provincial Administrative Organization. It is known that the organization already has a budget for developing the park. This area is the largest in Chiang Mai province. Once developed, it will become the city's green lungs for the people of Chiang Mai, and is part of the government's project to support public parks in honor of His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday anniversary. The Prime Minister himself will discuss with the State Railway to expedite the handover of the land to the Provincial Administrative Organization for park development. He expects a conclusion this weekend. As for the budget, the organization can proceed with managing it. Chiang Mai residents will have space for activities, and once the memorandum is signed, the development is expected to take 2-3 months to complete. The Prime Minister believes the State Railway will not object since it is a project to honor His Majesty.
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