Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently led an inspection of the ongoing Prem Prachakon Canal development project, aimed at revitalizing the canal into a tourist hotspot and an efficient transportation route in Bangkok. Supported by both private entities and local communities, the project encompasses the creation of new parks and docks to bolster tourism and transportation in the city.
During the Prime Minister’s visit, local residents warmly greeted him, underscoring the vital role of community involvement in fostering stability and environmental improvements. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the community’s support, acknowledging their significant contribution to and beneficiarieship from the project.
Emphasizing the significance of enhancing the city’s appeal and convenience for tourists, the Prime Minister discussed strategies to address traffic congestion and tourist-related scams, thereby striving to make Bangkok a safer and more attractive destination. The development of the Prem Prachakon Canal aligns with broader efforts to elevate the city’s quality of life and environmental standards.
Beyond canal restoration and enhancement, the project entails the construction of dams, the establishment of park and residential zones, and the designation of flood drainage areas to mitigate flooding and manage environmental aspects of the canal effectively.
Anticipated outcomes include improved drainage efficiency, boosted tourism, and enhanced living conditions for the community. The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering better living standards and a healthier environment for Bangkok residents, utilizing this project as a blueprint for future urban developments.
However, the significance of such projects becomes apparent against the backdrop of longstanding challenges. As urbanization progresses and traditional waterways are supplanted by modern infrastructure, issues of flooding and pollution intensify, prompting municipal authorities to act. Often, blame is unfairly directed at informal communities residing along these water bodies, masking deeper-rooted issues of urban planning and development.
Nevertheless, canal-side communities have proactively banded together to address common challenges, forming networks and implementing initiatives to improve their living conditions and contribute to canal maintenance. These efforts include regular canal cleaning events and the adoption of innovative technologies to reduce pollution.
As for the Prem Prachakon Canal project, it is divided into four phases, spanning approximately 26 kilometers. The initiative aims to provide permanent housing solutions for numerous communities across Bangkok and Pathum Thani, fostering collaboration among various government agencies and community organizations.
Notably, significant progress has been reported in the project’s implementation, with numerous houses completed and underway. Upon completion, families residing along the canal will benefit from improved living conditions, while the canal’s capacity to manage floods will be optimized.
Last reported Project Progress as of 2022:
- 634 finished houses: 356 in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district and 88 in Lak Si district, 190 in Tambon Lak Hok in Pathum Thani’s Muang district. This constitutes 9.93% of the project.
- 352 houses underway: 133 in Chatuchak, 71 in Lak Si, 120 in Don Mueang district and 28 in Lak Hok. This constitutes 5.51% of the project.
- 21 houses ready to be built: 7 in Lak Si and 14 in Don Mueang or 0.33% of the project.
It is said the project aims to provide permanent homes to people living in 38 communities in four districts of Bangkok and Pathum Thani, namely 32 in Don Mueang, Lak Si and Chatuchak and six in Tambon Lak Hok in Pathum Thani’s Muang district. The project is being organised in cooperation with the Community Organisation’s Development Institute, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry and other relevant government agencies.
It is said 6,340 families have agreed to move into new homes, though the remainder have yet to agree. Of the families that agreed:
- 621 live in five communities in Chatuchak
- 2,248 in 13 communities in Lak Si
- 2,542 in 14 communities in Don Mueang
- 929 in six communities in Lak Hok.
Once the project is completed, the families will be able to live in new homes while the canal will be able to drain floods at its full capacity, the spokesman said.
