First householders to receive payout for river promenade
The first group of households affected by the controversial riverside promenade project will receive compensation later this month, says deputy Bangkok governor Chakkaphan Phewngam.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will start paying out compensation to 51 households in five communities required to relocate to pave the way for the 14km riverside promenade dubbed the New Landmark of Thailand, on July 26, he said.
The five communities are Pak Klong Bang Khen Mai, Wat Soi Thong, Kiakkai Pier, Khiew Khai Ka, and Wat Chat Kaew Chongkolnee.
They are among 14 communities to be relocated to allow the project to go ahead.
A total of 282 structures including nine piers will be demolished and the BMA estimates relocation costs at 104.5 million baht.
According to Mr Chakkaphan, compensation will be paid in full for those who have already relocated while those who agree to move out will be paid 50% on signing an agreement with the City Hall and the remainder to be paid after leaving.
He said the demolition work is expected to be completed this month except at two communities — Mitkham 1 and Mitkham 2.
The demolition work at these two communities will be delayed pending relocation of the residents who are in the process of seeking new accommodation.
The Khiew Khai Ka community is the first to be razed for the promenade construction project, which has divided locals.
According to the deputy governor, the BMA’s Department of Public Works is reviewing and revising the project design and setting the median prices for the first phase of the project.
He said the project design needs to be altered to address problems which have arisen even though the project consultant has concluded the plan which also covers the development of communities along the promenade.
The project costs are estimated at 8.36 billion baht.