Bangkok to speed up removal of illegal canal structures

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) pledged to accelerate the removal of illegal structures built over the city’s extensive network of canals.

Bangkok hosts over 1,980 canals and other waterways, with 233 under the Department of Drainage’s jurisdiction, while local district offices under the BMA manage the remainder.

A 2021 survey by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage identified approximately 11,035 illegal structures constructed over these waterways. The majority of these structures are concentrated in the northern districts (7,667), followed by central (1,635), southern (1,078), and eastern (471) areas. North Thonburi has 123 illegal structures, and South Thonburi has 61.

So far, 2,752 of these structures have been dismantled, according to the department.

Around 7,800 households are currently negotiating with the BMA and other agencies regarding their encroachments. Of these, 422 households have been cited for violating Announcement No.44 of the Revolutionary Council on encroaching on waterways, while 53 have been charged under the Building Control Act.

To curb future encroachments on public waterways, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the BMA Narong Ruangsri stated that the BMA is collaborating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income households, reported Bangkok Post.

“We are committed to resolving this issue while ensuring that affected families have access to safe and affordable housing.”

In related news, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet led city officials on a site inspection of Photisan Soi 6 in North Pattaya on July 1. This followed the June 30 deadline for residents to vacate their illegally built homes on public land.

For over 30 years, unauthorised structures have stood in Photisan Soi 6. Now, Pattaya City is reclaiming this land to restore it for public use, ease traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth. The operation involves dismantling these illegal homes and rental buildings, while also providing alternative housing solutions for the 20 affected families.

In other news, Thai police swiftly ordered the demolition of an unauthorised concrete platform that appeared on the pristine White Sand Beach on Koh Chang after residents filed complaints.