A key lawmaker is optimistic the Mahakan Fort community can be protected from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s eviction plan.
Wallop Tangkana-nurak, chairman of the National Legislative Assembly's (NLA) housing extraordinary committee, visited the fort area on Wednesday to listen to the plight of the residents who face eviction.
The BMA said it would start removing members of the community on Aug 12 to pave the way for a public park, without paying heed to concerns of academics and conservationists that such a move would uproot one of the oldest communities in Bangkok.
Mr Wallop said he was named head of the NLA housing panel on the wishes of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
“The prime minister has a heart for those who suffer. He just wants more information,” he said.
He and other committee members toured the community, which has gained recognition for its conservation efforts.
He lauded the community for its strenuous efforts to preserve old Bangkok.
Community leader Thawatchai Voramahakun handed over a study report prepared by Silpakorn University which shows the community’s potential as a living museum, as well as a “Mahakan Model” community development proposal, adopted by the residents and young volunteers, which highlights a land-sharing format that will allow people to co-exist with the park.
Mr Wallop said while City Hall is obliged to enforce the eviction law, an alternative way can be pursued.
Mr Thawatchai said 12 families have agreed to accept more compensation from City Hall and would soon move out. Those remaining would stay on in the hope they can implement the alternative model.
Walailak Songsiri, of the Lek-Prapai Viriyaphan Foundation, urged City Hall and the Committee for the Conservation of Rattanakosin and Old Towns, which initiated the park plan, to rethink their policy as it will destroy the community.
Sanon Wangsrangboon, a volunteer who is helping the Mahakan Model, said he had undertaken the work in the hope that Mahakan can be saved from becoming a dead heritage site.
“The community should be as it is: a living heritage,” said the 26-year-old volunteer.
Mr Thawatchai said the community will lodge a petition with the prime minister at Government House on Friday.