NHA governor gets push in Din Daeng row

NHA governor gets push in Din Daeng row

Minister tells other agencies to shape up

A man sits on the ground under an apartment building in Din Daeng that may be demolished in the near future. (Bangkok Post file photo)
A man sits on the ground under an apartment building in Din Daeng that may be demolished in the near future. (Bangkok Post file photo)

The National Housing Authority's (NHA) board yesterday removed NHA governor Krishda Raksakul from his post apparently over his failure to implement the government's housing policy for low-income earners.

NHA board chairman Pichit Akkharathit said the meeting agreed that early termination would be in the best interest of the NHA and would avoid any impact on current projects.

Mr Krishda had until June next year to complete his term.

Krishda: Had seven months to go

The board's decision came following rumours that spread early yesterday that Mr Krishda had tendered his resignation, with reports suggesting Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Sangsingkeo would ask the board to remove the NHA governor.

NHA deputy governor Ubonwan Suebyubol would be made acting governor until a replacement is found, Mr Pichit said.

Speculation was rife the minister was disappointed at Mr Krishda's performance over delays in the planned demolition of the Din Daeng flats in Bangkok to make way for construction of a new 25-storey building with 334 units.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who chairs a committee to solve housing problems for low-income earners, reportedly wanted changes at the NHA to help get his low-income housing policy on the move.

The Din Daeng project is part of a wider low-income housing policy which the government aims to implement until 2025.

The government has set a target of building 2.7 million housing units in the next 10 years. But for the next three years, the budget for the scheme has been earmarked at 96 billion baht, which will be enough to build 515,268 housing units.

The Din Daeng scheme drew stiff opposition from Din Daeng residents who were worried about higher rental fees and new rooms being leased to different tenants.

Pol Gen Adul yesterday denied pressuring the board to remove Mr Krishda, saying its decision was based on the NHA governor's performance.

He admitted Mr Krishda failed to implement the housing scheme for low-income earners, especially the Din Daeng flats, which is one of the government's top priorities.

"I'd have fired him. I gave him a chance. If he couldn't deliver, let others who can do it," he said.

The minister also warned executives of other agencies under his supervision, who were assigned to solve related problems including encroachment of public spaces, to shape up.

"Not just the NHA, but this goes for all departments and the Community Organisations Development Institute which have been told to solve encroachment at Khlong Lat Phrao. If there is no progress, they will face a review," he said.

In a brief interview, Mr Krishda said yesterday he did his best, but the evaluation of his performance was up to his supervisors.

Early in the day, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha brushed aside reports of Mr Krishda's resignation, saying it would not have affected the government's housing scheme for low-income earners.

"How could it affect the work? Is he the only person who can get the job done?" he said.

Gen Prayut said he is in charge of policy-making while state officials are responsible for putting government policy into practice.

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