The new version of the Bangkok Comprehensive Plan and its new town planning rules are a threat to communities in the city's old town quarters, in particular Charoen Chai community and Woeng Nakornkasem near Chinatown.
An aerial view of the Charoen Chai community off Charoen Krung Road. This old community will be at risk when the new version of the Bangkok Comprehensive Plan takes effect. YINGYONG UN-ANONGRAK
In a bid to save these communities, known for their distinctive cultural heritage, the Cultural Heritage Conservation Alliance, yesterday submitted an open letter to Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, urging him to review the plan as well as put in place some measures that will protect areas with cultural and historical value.
The alliance comprises prominent conservation organisations _ the Siam Society, ICOMOS Thailand, Society for the Conservation of National Treasure and Environment, the architectural committee of the Association of Siamese Architects and the Cultural Management Programme, Chulalongkorn University, and the Anti-Corruption Network.
The letter to the Bangkok Metropolitan Adminiastration (BMA) marked the alliance's second move over the matter.
The first was in late August when City Hall was still open to hearing the opinions of those opposing the plan.
Receiving the open letter on behalf of the Bangkok governor yesterday was Kraisak Choonhavan, his adviser.
One of the alliance's major concerns are some town planning measures and land utilisation rules which threaten old towns' cultural and historical values. A case in point is the revised floor area ratio (FAR) bonus allowance within 500 metres of a mass transit railway station. If it goes as planned, the new rule will allow the construction of high-rise buildings.
A likely result is that old communities will be replaced for the sake of "development". So far, only temples and religious sites are protected under the FAR rule, while old communities continue to face an uncertain future.
The communities are already suffering from the impending developments, including an instance in which a landlord erected a fence, blocking street access to a business. The landlord wanted to force out the tenant to develop the space.
Furthermore, the BMA also needs to improve or issue a Bangkok City Ordinance to protect every historical quarter and community in old-town areas. The ordinance should prohibit the demolition of buildings with historical, architectural or artistic significance. This can be done according to Articles 8 and 9 of Building Control Act B.E. 2522. The ordinance should, however, be subject to public hearings where the opinions of stakeholders are heard. Genuine and relevant information must be collected thoroughly during the process.
Finally, the city should encourage the communities in historic quarters to continue to live in their old buildings and should help them ensure their preservation. This can be done through a variety of measures and incentives such as initiating community development projects that involve the restoration of old buildings and sponsoring proper renovation.
It's a good sign that the petition attracted the attention of scholars from the Arsomsilp Institute of the Art, members of ICOMOS Thai, the Siamese Heritage Protection Network, and residents in the affected communities.
There are also other organisations that have demonstrated their concerns over the matter. One was the Lek-Praphai Wiriyaphan Foundation which recently hosted a public discussion on the importance of historic locations in Bangkok, and encouraged solidarity among the communities. The National Human Rights Committee also organised stakeholder meetings to find the best possible solutions. The committee even cooperated with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand to remodel the entrances of the MRT stations to blend them with the characteristics of the historic quarters and their environment.
Despite all the communities and conservation organisations' attempts, it's unfortunate there has been no favourable response from the governor, his team, and the City Town Planning Department.
The alliance's next move is to hold a public hearing on this plan with the aim to allow all parties concerned to exchange their views and to put pressure on the BMA to recognise the cultural significance of preserving Bangkok's old towns.
Ploenpote Atthakor is Deputy Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post.