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Bangkok High-Rise Controversy: TCC and Saree Aongsomwang Address Safety Violations

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Picture this: the skyline of Bangkok, adorned with towering edifices reaching out to the heavens, each vying for attention in a bustling metropolis. Yet, lurking beneath this architectural splendor is a lesser-known tale of regulatory sidestepping and safety oversights. In a recent twist, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has cast a spotlight on 13 high-rise constructions that seemingly sidestep the law.

At the heart of this unfolding drama is Saree Aongsomwang, the astute secretary-general of the TCC, who last Thursday shared how citizens from 11 vibrant communities around the city raised concerns about the safety and legality of these towering neighbors. A detailed investigation followed, akin to a detective unraveling a complex puzzle.

The findings were as startling as discovering a hidden passage in a seemingly ordinary building. Deviations from approved blueprints and a blatant disregard for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations formed the crux of the problem. Imagine Ministerial Regulation No. 33 as a vigilant guardian requiring a 6-metre-wide gap around high rises—many projects failed to heed this essential mandate.

With a firm yet worried tone, Ms. Saree exclaimed, “These violations raise serious safety concerns.” She emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving relevant agencies to ensure future architectural wonders adhere to the law, promising safe havens for all who dwell within.

Adding to the dialog, Pornprom Okuchi, assistant secretary of the TCC’s subcommittee on real estate and housing, mapped out the infractions across key urban nodes like Ratchayothin, Saphan Khwai, and Ratchadaphisek. Here, the architectural enchantment met a less glamorous but crucial story. What developers painted as idyllic escapes sometimes translated into reality as unauthorized conversions of space, where designated emergency access roads transformed into eclectic EV charging zones or serene ornamental gardens.

In an unexpected twist, 11 of these controversial projects turned emergency thoroughfares into charming cafés or tranquil green spaces, potentially hindering life-saving services from reaching those in need. Picture the irony—a place destined to offer respite could become an obstacle in times of crisis. Consequently, the TCC has lobbied the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to scrutinize, with a hawk-eye lens, 10 of these structural behemoths, both in their nascent and completed stages, ensuring they’re more than just towering achievements but also compliant edifices of safety.

To further illuminate the tale, legal adept Sinit Boonsit from the Department of Public Works echoed a crucial directive: “The law demands a clear, unobstructed 6-metre-wide road surface surrounding high-rise edifices.” Even the seemingly harmless presence of plant pots gains the shade of illegality.

So, as the cityscape of Bangkok continues its symphonic dance of growth and expansion, this narrative remains a sobering reminder. It’s a call for vigilance, ensuring that as we reach for the skies, our roots remain firmly grounded in safety and law. It’s a potent blend of aspirations and accountability, painting a portrait of a city on the cusp of greatness, but also of gravitas.

30 Comments

  1. JohnDoe83 May 31, 2025

    This is a massive oversight! How on earth could these developers ignore such critical safety regulations? It’s baffling and reckless.

    • Sarah T. May 31, 2025

      I agree, John. Isn’t it the government’s job to ensure these regulations are followed? They need to step up their game.

      • WealthyArchitect98 May 31, 2025

        It’s not just the developers; the system itself is flawed. Corruption and loopholes allow these things to happen.

      • JohnDoe83 May 31, 2025

        Absolutely, we need stricter enforcement of existing laws and transparency in real estate dealings.

  2. Ananya May 31, 2025

    I live near one of these high-rises, and it’s scary to think that emergency services might not reach me in time if needed. It’s like they only care about making money.

    • ThaiResident89 May 31, 2025

      Exactly! These developers need to be held accountable before a disaster happens and lives are at stake.

      • BangkokLifer May 31, 2025

        The TCC is doing great work by exposing these issues. Hopefully, it pushes for real change.

      • Ananya May 31, 2025

        Let’s hope so, but I have my doubts. Corruption is a tough opponent.

  3. Martin J. May 31, 2025

    On the flip side, those cafes and gardens add charm to the urban landscape. It’s a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

    • EcoUrbanist May 31, 2025

      But Martin, charm shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. Urban planning needs a priority balance.

    • Sarah T. May 31, 2025

      I get what you’re saying, Martin, but they should find a way to incorporate beauty without breaking laws.

  4. ConcernedCitizen May 31, 2025

    It’s infuriating that these commercial interests weigh more than human lives at times. When will safety become our number one concern?

    • RealEstateGuru May 31, 2025

      The real question is: Can safety and profitability coexist or are they always at odds?

      • ConcernedCitizen May 31, 2025

        They should coexist! That’s the point of regulations. They’re not only for one party’s benefit.

  5. gadgetGuy007 May 31, 2025

    Why don’t they just make all buildings eco-friendly and compliant? Seems like it should be the basic approach.

  6. Larry D May 31, 2025

    If these buildings aren’t safe, why did they ever get approved in the first place? Is the reviewing process that weak?

    • Pauline_m May 31, 2025

      Good question. The lack of thorough checks at the outset is shocking.

  7. LocalArchitect May 31, 2025

    Developers are often pressured by aggressive timelines and market demands, which leads them to ‘fast-track’ compliance. It backfires eventually.

  8. Krit May 31, 2025

    Saree Aongsomwang is doing a tremendous job at TCC. More power to those who expose these safety violations!

  9. UrbanPlanner101 May 31, 2025

    The high-rise issue shows how critically we need integrated city planning that genuinely accommodates growth while following guidelines.

  10. SkepticalViewer May 31, 2025

    I just wonder, despite the TCC’s efforts, will anything really change? Often it’s just talk. I’ve seen it many times before.

    • OptimistOllie May 31, 2025

      Change may be slow, but raising awareness is the first step! Each exposure eventually contributes to systemic reform.

  11. T7aylor May 31, 2025

    Can we really call ourselves a developing nation when we ignore basic building safety? Sad reality.

  12. HappyCamper May 31, 2025

    Those emergency passageways being turned into cafes sounds like poor planning. I love the idea of green spaces, but not at the cost of safety.

    • Sarah T. May 31, 2025

      Turning necessities into leisure spots is reckless. We should have both, without compromising on essentials.

  13. CityDreamer92 May 31, 2025

    If Bangkok wants to be a world-class city, it can’t afford such negligence. Safety standards are non-negotiable.

    • SkepticalViewer May 31, 2025

      Talk is cheap; actions speak louder. Time will tell if standards improve.

  14. grower134 May 31, 2025

    Does anyone know if these developments face legal repercussions, or will they get away with just a warning?

  15. Jasper P. May 31, 2025

    It’s important to note the positive aspect: exposing these violations is a step in the right direction for reform.

  16. EcoUrbanist May 31, 2025

    Environmental Impact Assessments are there for a reason. Ignoring them is not just illegal; it’s irresponsible.

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