The scene outside the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) was a blend of fervent determination and rising frustration, as the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) and a forceful cadre of Bangkok community representatives showed up to make their voices heard. The protesters, numbering over 100 and encompassing representatives from 28 vigorous communities, handed a letter to Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, sounding a collective alarm against the proposed city planning blueprint. (Photo: Supoj Wancharoen)
The TCC, led by the spirited Secretary-General Saree Aungsomwang, minced no words in their opposition to the current trajectory of the BMA’s city planning initiative. There was a clarion call to halt the ongoing public hearings. Saree and her allies are ready to elevate the matter to the Administrative Court should their objections be ignored. The blueprint, according to them, flouts the fundamental tenets of the City Planning Act and violates Section 72 of the Thai constitution.
Saree articulated that the Act mandates public hearings must genuinely consider the repercussions on citizens, ensuring transparency and ample information dissemination to mitigate any adverse impacts. The argument is that the existing hearings fall woefully short of these requirements.
“This blueprint, it disregards the multifaceted challenges confronting our urban landscape—traffic snarls, chronic flooding, and the pernicious PM2.5 pollution,” Saree highlighted with an impassioned fervor. “There’s an obvious lack of actionable strategies to enhance the quality of life, especially for our low-income residents.”
Depressingly, a blueprint conceived back in 2019 has been the template for these hearings, themselves initiated as far back as 2017. The provisional nature of these sessions and their scanty turnout—around 20,000 participants over seven years—only magnifies their ineffectiveness. “People were scarcely given a chance to voice their concerns or ask pertinent questions,” Saree noted, shaking her head in exasperation.
The ambiguous planning around the expansion of several Bangkok roads looms as a specter of uncertainty, threatening to disrupt resident lives without a shred of clarity. “The BMA must hit pause on this flawed public hearing process and initiate a fresh, more inclusive dialogue,” Saree declared. “Should the BMA ignore this for 30 days, we’re prepared to take this fight to the Administrative Court.”
On the flipside, Thaiwut Khankaew, director of the BMA’s City Planning and Urban Development Department, provided a contrasting narrative. According to him, the city’s dialogue machine had already churned out public hearings across 42 of Bangkok’s districts, with plans to wrap up consultations in the remaining eight districts by the following month. This amassed feedback would ostensibly be the bedrock for shaping the pending blueprint, scheduled for submission to the city planning committee by November.
Despite the ongoing to-and-fro, one thing remains palpably clear: Bangkok’s future urban landscape can only be crafted through inclusive, participatory planning sessions. The residents demand it, and it’s high time the bureaucracy aligns with those democratic aspirations. It’s a storyline that showcases the power of collective civic action in the face of bureaucratic inertia—a drama that, hopefully, will tilt towards a more equitable and transparent resolution.
The BMA can’t just ignore the people’s voice like this. It’s our city too!
I agree! Why should a few officials decide for millions of us?
It’s classic bureaucratic arrogance. They think they know better than the people living here.
Let’s be fair. The BMA did conduct hearings in 42 districts. Maybe people just didn’t show up.
But with only 20,000 participants over 7 years, doesn’t that tell you the process wasn’t accessible?
Exactly! If people aren’t engaging, then there’s obviously a problem with how the process is set up.
I feel like they just want to build more skyscrapers for the rich and forget about us.
Urban planning always ends up favoring the wealthy. This is why public input is so important.
That’s a bit cynical. They actually need to balance economic growth with public needs.
It’s ridiculous that they’re using a 2019 blueprint for a 2023 plan. The city’s needs have changed!
Right? They need to update their data and see what people need now, not four years ago.
True. We’ve had a pandemic and severe pollution issues since then. Update the plan!
Section 72 of the Thai constitution is clear about citizen involvement. They can’t just brush it aside.
Legalities aside, it’s infuriating that our concerns are not being considered at all.
It is frustrating. Continually fighting bureaucracy feels like banging your head against a wall.
Why does it always have to come down to a court case? Just fix the darn process!
The BMA should have bilingual materials and sessions too. Many locals don’t understand the technical language used.
Such a good point. Even the educated struggle with these documents. How could everyone fully engage?
Traffic, flooding, pollution — these are real issues. What is BMA actually doing about these?
Seems like they’re more focused on expanding roads, which might worsen traffic, not solve it.
Ugh, that’s so short-sighted. We need better public transport, not more roads.
Expanding roads usually means more cars and more pollution. Why are they not investing in green solutions?
Perhaps the BMA thinks that a bigger, glitzier city will attract more tourism, but residents pay the price.
Bangkok’s charm is in its culture and heritage. Glitzy skyscrapers can be found anywhere.
Exactly! They risk losing what makes the city unique.
I’m tired of them ignoring low-income residents. We deserve a voice too.
Absolutely. Everyone’s quality of life should be prioritized, not just the wealthy few.
It’s always the same systemic issue: the rich get richer and the poor are ignored.
Going to the Administrative Court seems like the only option left. Maybe then they’ll listen.
I agree again. Sometimes you have to make a big noise to get heard.
I just hope it doesn’t drag out too long and we actually see some changes.
Why can’t they just have regular community meetings in each district? Make it easy for people to participate!
Urgent issues like PM2.5 pollution need immediate action. Not endless hearings.
Yes, and it directly affects our health. The longer they delay, the worse it gets.
Agreed. And the lack of action endangers vulnerable populations the most.