Activist Srisuwan Janya on Friday led a group of villagers to file a complaint at the Central Administrative Court against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for alleged malfeasance over the construction of a bridge across the Lat Phrao Canal.
The lawsuit relates to the BMA's granting of permission for a property development company to build a bridge from Soi Phahon Yothin 54/1 across the canal to a housing estate, which is under construction. The bridge has already been built and is in use.
"City Hall has no shame -- it has issued a permit to the real-estate developer to build this bridge after waging a long campaign against residents living along the Lat Phrao Canal, claiming their houses obstruct flood management," said Mr Srisuwan.
He said the complaint, which was filed by residents of Laksi, Bang Khen, Sai Mai and Don Muang districts, is also asking the court to order for the bridge to be dismantled.
Sai Mai director Yodkwan Junnapiya admitted to the Bangkok Post the district had not held any public hearings over the new bridge.