Surveying for the project is set to begin in October, with the MRTA promising to notify affected residents at least 15 days before work begins. Expropriation fees will be determined based on market prices as assessed by a panel comprising representatives from the Treasury Department, the Land Department, the district office director, and local administrators.
The Royal Gazette published a decree on June 6 regarding land expropriation for the western railway segment of the Orange Line, which will link Bang Khun Non and the Thailand Cultural Centre. Reportedly, the expropriation will impact around 800 plots of land and 400 houses, with the most affected areas being the Ratchadaphisek and Din Daeng sub-districts.
Local communities are up in arms, claiming that approximately 1,000 households will be affected. Determined to fight, they are planning to take legal action, with a petition to the Administrative Court planned by Sept 5. Their argument centers on the programme’s failure to adhere to environmental impact assessment requirements, including the MRTA’s obligation to collect input from local communities.
According to the project plan, it will affect the forest park on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and the area outside City Hall II in Din Daeng. Additionally, the construction of exit and entry points will necessitate the removal of some trees and the realignment of pedestrian overpasses.
The MRT Orange Line is an ambitious project with two sections linking Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The eastern section, from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri, will span 22.5km and feature 17 elevated and underground stations. Meanwhile, the western section will cover 13.4km and include 11 underground stations.
This is a terrible move by the MRTA. They’re going to destroy so many homes!
Do you even realize the amount of traffic congestion this will alleviate? Think about the greater good.
How about the greater good of the families being displaced? A train line isn’t more important than people’s homes.
Well, sometimes sacrifices need to be made for development. Progress can’t please everyone.
It’s not just about home displacement, the environmental impacts are significant too. Completely undoes all our green initiatives.
Agree with grower134. The environmental impact is just one side of it, there’re more non-obvious long-term consequences.
Residents have every right to be angry and take legal action. MRTA didn’t even bother to properly consult them!
Public consultations are always a farce. They just pretend to listen to us.
Why are people always resisting progress? This railway is going to be beneficial to the whole city.
Beneficial at what cost, Victor? Have you ever been at risk of losing your home to ‘progress’?
Victor, try saying that when it’s your house being seized. Projects on such scales need more empathy.
Look, I get that it’s tough for those losing homes, but sometimes we need to make hard choices for the greater good.
Why expropriate land when there’re sustainable options? The MRTA should focus on smart urban planning instead.
Define sustainable options, EcoWarrior12. The current infrastructure can’t handle the population growth.
Underground systems, better public transport policies, greener alternatives. Not all these involve taking people’s homes.
Actually, Tony, there’re multiple international examples where cities effectively handled population growth without massive land acquisitions.
Scaling back the land acquisition is better than the initial plan, but it still doesn’t address all the issues.
Exactly, Pim. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken bone.
Legal challenges are just going to delay the project and cost taxpayers more money. Let’s just get it done.
And should we ignore the glaring issues just to get it done quickly? That’s short-sighted.
True, but delays have their own financial and social costs. Balance is key.
I think it’s fascinating how different countries handle urban development. MRTA has a tough job balancing progress with preservation.
Why aren’t there more community-driven solutions? Residents should be at the heart of the planning process.
Community-driven processes don’t always align with governmental agendas, Lucy.
The MRTA should really consider more input from local communities. Sustainable development hinges on people, not just infrastructure.
Can’t wait to use the Orange Line! This is going to transform Bangkok’s commute.
Hope this transformation doesn’t come at too high an environmental cost. Forest parks need to stay intact.
Valid concern, EcoVision. Striking a balance is crucial.
BangkokBoy, keeping forest areas intact isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s indispensable for health and ecology.
Considering how many people are against this, shouldn’t the MRTA rethink their strategy entirely? Seems like bad planning.
Interesting to see how this plays out legally. These kinds of projects rarely move forward without major legal battles.
People overlook the psychological impact on families forced to relocate. Not just logistics and money, but mental health too.
Absolutely, Karen! Displacement trauma is very real and often ignored in these discussions.