In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the backdrop of the skyscrapers of Pathumwan district, an intriguing and contentious chapter continues to unfold. Rosana Tositrakul, a dynamic and outspoken former senator, has once again stepped into the limelight, addressing a decade-old controversy that refuses to fade into obscurity. On January 26, Rosana took to Facebook with a call to action directed toward the Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, urging him to enforce a pivotal judicial decree that has lingered in neglect—the demolition of the towering 21-storey Aetas condominium on Soi Ruamrudee.
This is not just any structure; it’s a building steeped in controversy, having defied an order by the Supreme Administrative Court over ten years ago. Back then, in a case that began in 2005 spearheaded by the spirited opponents led by Doctor Songkram Supcharoen, the court found the Aetas in breach of the Building Control Act. The crux of their grievance? The condominium was erected on a street less than 10 meters wide—a construction faux pas posing both a legal affront and a daily hazard. Despite the judge’s gavel striking down with the force of a demolition mandate requiring the building to be reduced to rubble within 60 days, the defiantly erect edifice remains a testament to delays and inaction.
Governor Chadchart finds himself at a crossroads—two options lie before him: to act and pull down the disputed building or face the specter of legal repercussions under Section 157 of the Thai Criminal Code for dereliction of duty. This looming charge only heightens the tension as the clock continues to tick.
The plot thickened back in 2008 when residents, unable to sit idle with their grievances, sought the assistance of the Foundation for Consumers. They initiated a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court, and by 2012, a decisive verdict was reached; the court ruled against the legality of the building. But what is a court order without enforcement? The echoes of inaction resonated all the way to the Supreme Administrative Court’s corridors, which in October 2014 reinforced the lower court’s decision.
Yet, here we are in 2025, and the Aetas still stands, a defiant middle finger to legal directives and an object of everyday concern for the local inhabitants. Its presence on the narrow alleyway is not just an architectural anomaly but a potential death trap—a harbinger of potential disaster, as evidenced by a tragic past incident where fire trucks were unable to reach a hotel blaze on Soi Ruamrudee in time to save a foreign guest.
Amid this urban saga, the voices of the people, like Dr. Songkram Supcharoen, echo with warnings. They remind us of the reality that lofty structures along narrow lanes spell imminent danger, their grim predictions urging mandatory action. Warnings unheeded, they fear, will eventually crystallize into tragedy.
As the city’s governance comes under public scrutiny, with forums such as those organized by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) keeping the dialogue alive, pressure mounts for Governor Chadchart. Will he rise to the occasion, mimicking the firm resolve that built Bangkok’s skyline, but this time in its dismantling?
In a world ever tumbling forward with time, the story of the Aetas is a striking reminder: while buildings may soar, they must do so according to the law. And as we eagerly await the next chapter, the residents of Pathumwan, arm in arm with activists and watchdogs, keep their vigilance—they’re poised, ready, to witness what will crumble first, the edifice or the excuses?
It’s absurd that the Aetas hasn’t been demolished after all these years. What kind of message does this send about the rule of law in Thailand?
Yeah, seriously! It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s almost like they’re daring the government to do something.
Exactly, and if inaction continues, isn’t it inevitable that another tragedy will happen?
I’m baffled at how this building has become a symbol of negligence. It’s dangerous, plain and simple!
Does anyone else think Rosana Tositrakul is just trying to stay relevant with this? I mean, she hasn’t been a senator in ages.
I see your point, Sophie, but isn’t it good that someone is calling attention to it, regardless of their motives?
True, Joe. I guess any action is better than none. But I wonder if her involvement will politicize the issue more.
At least someone is trying! Whether it’s for clout or genuine concern, the problem is still the same.
This entire issue highlights the inefficiency of the Thai legal and enforcement systems. It’s frustrating to see such disregard for court orders.
I’m not convinced demolishing it will solve anything. It’s been there for years and only now is there a big fuss.
But grower134, isn’t safety and obeying laws reason enough to take it down?
The narrow lane problem is real. My brother lives in that area and tells me horror stories of emergency access issues.
Just because it’s been standing for a decade doesn’t mean it should continue to defy the law!
Maybe Tommy, but think of the immense costs. Who will bear them? Taxpayers?
It might be expensive, but what’s the cost of lives lost in another preventable disaster?
The governor needs to step up! What’s the point of these laws if no one enforces them?
It seems like everyone is just passing the buck. Maybe it’s fear of political backlash?
Reminds me of similar cases worldwide where buildings with legal issues just become monuments of governmental failure.
One question: if it’s demolished, what happens to the people living there? Are they just left to fend for themselves?
Good point, Zach. I think that’s part of the complexity. But ignoring it isn’t the answer either.
This issue is a perfect example of bureaucratic inefficiency. When was anything resolved quickly in this city?
Rosana Tositrakul’s push for action is admirable. Sometimes you need a public figure to highlight such stale issues.
Agree, Larry. If more people with influence did this, maybe change would actually happen.
It’s a shame that it takes a media storm for any action to be considered.