Residents demand action over ‘dangerous’ high-rise condos
Eight communities in Bangkok’ s Phaya Thai district have lodged a petition with the Office of the Ombudsman demanding an investigation into state agencies responsible for allowing high-rise condominiums to be built in their neighbourhood.
Phumrat Kasemsomboonchai, who represents the Phaya Thai Conservation Group, said the livelihoods of more than 100 residents in several streets on Phahon Yothin Road have been affected by new residential projects.
He said that at first they endured loud noises and sometimes falling objects during months of construction and now they are suffering from heavy traffic and unprecedented flooding.
Mr Phumrat said a lack of proper management by these high rises has aroused suspicions of whether the projects were properly deliberated by authorities beforehand.
He also pointed out that certain streets are narrower than 10m and no high rises should be allowed there. Based on ministerial regulations under the Building Control Act 1979, a building higher than 23m, or eight floors, cannot be built on a road that is less than 10m wide.
“The traffic has increased after these projects began. This can hamper rescue efforts in case of fire. There are also problems with the drainage system, which can’t bear the load,” he said.
According to Mr Phumrat, there are more than 20 residential projects in seven communities and five others are set for construction.
Some projects are ready to submit environment and health impact assessment studies to authorities even though negotiations with local residents have not been finalised, he said.
“So we are asking the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the role of state agencies including the district office, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the City Planning Office,” he said.
Norarit Kasemsomboonchai, a resident in Soi Phahon Yothin 5, said heavy traffic is one of the biggest problems local residents face.
“We aren’t against high rises but we want the authorities to enforce the laws strictly to make sure they won’t affect the livelihoods of others,” he said.
Pitchayaporn Sutthiprasert, who lives in Soi Phahon Yothin 11, said her house sits next to a residential project. Construction began early this year.
“There are cracks on my house and they are likely associated with the impact of the new construction work. My family and others have to endure loud noises from all the work, which continues even on holidays,” she said.
Ririnda Poonpipat, a resident in Soi Sailom, had her house demolished and rebuilt due to the impact of a nearby residential project in 2014.
“Cracks appeared t wo weeks after construction began. Engineers said the damage was so bad it couldn’t be repaired,” she said, adding she is seeking damages in the Supreme Court.