Thailand Consumer Council to challenge Bangkok city plan flaws

The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) plans to challenge the Bangkok city plan by submitting a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), citing significant failings in the public hearing processes that they argue infringe on citizens’ rights.

This action, set for tomorrow, November 5, reflects growing concerns over the lack of public engagement and awareness regarding the city’s planning efforts.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the TCC, Itboon Onwongsa, highlighted the issues surrounding the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) fourth revised edition of the city plan, emphasising the absence of effective public participation contradicts citizens’ rights.

Speaking at a forum titled Justice City hosted by the TCC, he stressed the importance of public involvement, particularly given Bangkok’s population of over five million, where each resident should have a voice in shaping the city’s future.

Itboon stated that this oversight goes against people’s rights, referencing the inadequate efforts to inform and involve the public in the planning process.

The constitution mandates that the city plan undergo public hearings and foster community engagement. However, the BMA has been criticised for failing to sufficiently communicate the implications of its city plan, with public hearings reportedly attracting minimal attendance.

Increase participation

Despite a formal request from the TCC urging the BMA to increase participation, there was no response, prompting the council to seek NHRC’s intervention.

Supattra Nakaphiw, representing the NHRC, expressed preliminary agreement with the TCC’s petition, suggesting potential violations of rights such as access to information, public participation, a healthy environment, and property rights. She assured that an investigation would be conducted to determine any rights violations, with any findings to be addressed with the BMA.

“We will investigate whether the process of drafting the Bangkok City Plan violates people’s rights. If we find there is a violation, we will submit it to BMA to find solutions.”

Pornprom Okuchi, assistant secretary of the Subcommittee on Real Estate and Housing under the TCC, pointed out the starkly low public engagement in the BMA’s hearings, with only 21,776 participants out of Bangkok’s 5.4 million residents. He criticised this as inadequate for such a significant project, noting the revised plan’s scope, which includes adding 148 roads and expanding 200 canals.

Atavit Suwanpakdee, chairman of an advisory board to the Industry Minister, expressed concern over the exclusion of the Khu Bon Water Plan from the latest city plan draft. The Khu Bon area, previously designated by the government as a water retention zone capable of holding vast amounts of water, has seen private development despite its intended purpose.

Atavit warned of potential escalation to the National Anti-Corruption Commission if the plan is not reinstated.

Desire for involvement

Thaweethong Latthong, representing the Klong Toey district, voiced the community’s desire to be involved in the city’s planning, particularly concerning the allocation of land at Bangkok Port.

“Today, we would like to participate in drafting the 4th Bangkok City Plan by asking that 20% of the port area be assigned to the 26 Klong Toey communities.”

The community, having relocated significant structures for port development, seeks a portion of the land to ensure secure housing for all residents, reported Bangkok Post.