BMA decides to go ahead with demolition of Mahakan Fort community
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is going ahead with its plan to bring the curtains down on the Mahakan Fort community to make way for a public park.
In order to turn its plans into reality, BMA officials yesterday held another round of negotiations with the residents who have so far refused to vacate the community that sits on a public plot in the heart of Bangkok.
“We will have to take legal action if they refuse to relocate,” deputy Bangkok governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang said.
However, he expects the residents to relocate in the next month or so. The National Housing Authority has also offered to help the affected people find new housing, though very few Mahakan Fort community residents have opted for this.
At the end of yesterday’s talks, at least 14 families said they would stay put, pointing out that they have lived in the area for many generations. In addition, they said they have already petitioned with the Central Administrative Court asking for an injunction against the BMA’s eviction order.
“The court has yet to issue an injunction, so we can go ahead with our plan,” Aswin said.
According to the plan, Bt55 million will be spent to revamp the Mahakan Fort into a public park.
The BMA has already asked the City Law Enforcement’s officers, police and other related agencies to get ready for demolition. It also plans to have the Metropolitan Electricity Authority cut off electricity in order to pressure residents.
The BMA, however, said it will try and negotiate with the adamant 14 families again.
Meanwhile, the residents have provided the BMA with the “Mahakan Model”, which calls for the mutual development of the area that extends from the centuries-old fort to the Ong Ang canal. They have also promised to volunteer free services, such as patrolling the area, should the BMA let them stay on in the centuries-old community.
