View Full Version : BKK N'hoods:DinDaengFlats
Jromerz
29-11-05, 04:49 PM
I just have a few questions regarding Sukhumvit road, maybe someone will have the answers..
When were Rama I, Ploen Chit and Sukhumvit roads built? Were they originally a khlong? Where does the name change from sukhumvit (eastwards)?
any answers would be appreciated, thanks
Ahoerstemeier
29-11-05, 08:20 PM
Where does the name change from sukhumvit (eastwards)?
The Sukhumvit begins at the intersection with Thanon Witthayu (also often translated as Wireless Road) as the continuation of Thonon Ploenchit. To the east it continues beyond the city of Bangkok, going through (or near) the towns Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. I am not fully sure whether it ends in Trat, or continues till Klong Yai.
Reading the teaser headline "Historical audiotours of different neighbourhoods in Bangkok" on the frontpage, it occurred to me I had sometimes wondered before if there are any social connotations to the names of Bangkok districts.
In western cities there's usually a clear distinction (in people's perception) between different city quarters, like Eastend, Westend, Bronx, or whatever, and the name of a quarter/neighbourhood often stands for a good or bad reputation; or is instantly associated with, say, yuppies, artists, a high crime rate, poor, middle-class or rich inhabitants, etc. You get the idea.
But it seems this doesn't apply to Bangkok, or Thai cities in general? One intriguing thing about the City of Angels is that it's so common to have a slum directly next to a luxury condominium, after all.
OK, we have Khlong Toei. But apart from that? Can you tell me what are the 'best' districts for living in Bangkok, or the 'most notorious' ones? Does something like this exist in the view of Bangkokians/Thai people?
Clayton
30-01-06, 02:59 AM
You raise an interesting point and I look forward to hearing the views of Bangkokonians/Thai people.
Without going into much detail I believe there are very good reasons why the "problems" in western cities don't exist here, without going in to detail I'll suggest just a couple;
1) Thai (Buddhist) values are much more accepting and tolerant than those in the west.
2) Mass immigration. In western cities, the pattern seems to be that immigrants tend to move into an area and those that can afford it move out - only the poor remain.
The Enforcer!
30-01-06, 10:08 AM
Can you tell me what are the 'best' districts for living in Bangkok?
In my humble opinion ...Bangrak, Sathorn and Yannawa.
The Enforcer!
The Enforcer!
30-01-06, 10:17 AM
Just a thought - based on this thread's theme. Ifone had to design a Monopoly Board based on Bangkok ...
Utilities are easy (MEA, MWA)
Stations are probably .... Hualamphong, Wong Wien Yai, Bangkok Noi and probably Bang Sue.
Streets names ....
Which ones would be Whitechapel and Old Kent Road? Park Lane and Mayfair? etc etc.
Could be fun compiling this?
The Enforcer!
Thanks for all your input.
In my humble opinion ...Bangrak, Sathorn and Yannawa.You have a point there.... yes, Bangrak and Sathorn sound somewhat noble indeed. :-) Not sure about Yannawa.
Two other thoughts as to the reasons:
- Unlike "western countries", Thailand never went through a phase of industrial revolution in its history. Therefore, no proletariat, no classical workers' quarters developed.
- There were no extensive government housing programs (like in West Germany, France etc. - especially those cheap, ugly, inhuman concrete highrises in the 1960s/70s - not to mention the countries of the Eastern Bloc), which often led to ghettoization.
Just a thought - based on this thread's theme. Ifone had to design a Monopoly Board based on Bangkok ...Interesting thought.... :D seems (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Localized_versions_of_the_Monopoly_game) there is no localized Thai version yet?
Oh, wait.... one Wikipedia link led me to this (http://www.muurkrant.com/monopoly/thailand_uk.htm) (unofficial adaptations) - unfortunately we cannot see the names printed on the board. :(
The Enforcer!
03-02-06, 08:31 AM
Oh, wait.... one Wikipedia link led me to this (http://www.muurkrant.com/monopoly/thailand_uk.htm) (unofficial adaptations) - unfortunately we cannot see the names printed on the board. :(
Congrats!
But at 69 Baht it is surely ages old?
The Enforcer!
I was growing up in Bangkok, back in the '50. I lived on Silom Road. Literally, I traversed the streets of Bangkok all the time. Silom was a so-so place, it has certain pocket of heighborhoods, not a preferred place to live.
Back in those days, in the '50 and '60, Sukimvit was a premier location for farangs and the educated, and well-to-do Thai folks. It's probably still is a favorite place. It was full with nice and expensive homes, restaurants, and night clubs.
Sathorn was also a favorite and expensive place to live because there was some farangs and embassies row...and a lot of American offices and businesses.
Dusit District and Sarasin District were and still are preferred places for the Thais.
Jromerz
10-04-06, 06:13 PM
There were no extensive government housing programs (like in West Germany, France etc. - especially those cheap, ugly, inhuman concrete highrises in the 1960s/70s - not to mention the countries of the Eastern Bloc), which often led to ghettoization.
You are right that there aren't extensive housing projects, but nevertheless the do exist. Take a look at Din Daeng (esp. along Rama 9), there are loads of run-down cheap government housing developments there.. and its not exactly a 'preferred' location to live. More near the expressway next to Rama 4 (but they have a new paint job) and some in Khlong Toey for sure.
Now we will also have to see whether the latest housing projects (Ua Athorn, etc) will end up along the same route.. But the concept is kind of different I guess.
To quote from the Song 'Khon Ai Nah Liam' (Square-Faced Man):-
The deceptive Eua-Arthon house - worse quality than if people build the house by themselves.
Take a look at Din Daeng (esp. along Rama 9), there are loads of run-down cheap government housing developments there.. and its not exactly a 'preferred' location to live.Oh, how could I forget those infamous Din Daeng Flats? Indeed, quite some ugliness to behold. :p Not small, either.
But I think it's still true that this kind of development never reached the proportions like in other countries, where they sometimes constructed a complete new quarter for 20,000 - 50,000 people, or even whole cities, in this style. :eek:
And than, flats in a warm country are not the same as in cold ones, One of my office friends, that time lived in Delft in a "cold country" flat. In his opnion a prison. But I remember that he moved with 65 to the "warm country" Din daeng flat, more than 15 years, but it wasn't a prison to him, but a present that he could live in Bangkok as a happy man.
jpatokal
11-04-06, 10:18 AM
But I think it's still true that this kind of development never reached the proportions like in other countries, where they sometimes constructed a complete new quarter for 20,000 - 50,000 people, or even whole cities, in this style. :eek:
Singapore is, I think, easily the record holder here with 86% (!) of the population living in government-built and subsidized Housing Development Board (HDB) flats. Glance at Singapore from an airplane (or Google Maps!) and you'll see it covered from tip to tip with uniform tower blocks... but thanks to a lick of pastel paint and lots of landscaping they're far prettier than anything I've seen in east Europe (or the Din Daeng flats, which I used to live next to) and, unlike most countries with such schemes, the great majority in Singapore actually own their flats.
Jromerz
21-04-06, 01:32 PM
Regarding the older government housing projects/flats (ie. not Ua Athorn), I believe there might also be a few more smaller ones in the Dusit/Sam Sen area (along Sukhothai & Rama 5) .. and also some around the Ramkamhaeng/Onnut/Srinakarin vicinity... Can anyone think of any others that are older than 10 years?
Seems interesting also that these places are not only for relocated slum dwellers, but also house lower level police and civil/govt workers and their families.
Last weekend I went to have a look what's going on at Soi Charoen Krung 52 (aka Soi Wanglee, near Taksin Bridge).
See this page (http://www.2bangkok.com/06/news06august.shtml) for background story (Wat Yannawa Tenants Fight Back - August 14, 2006). And I also found this (http://www.icomosthai.org/m_news/Wanglee.htm).
Well, it seems all is lost, despite petitions to the Bangkok Governor, the Fine Arts Department etc. Only few houses are still occupied, most abandoned and gutted and some already reduced to rubble.
My photos here (http://de.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nrennenberg/album?.dir=/67e1scd).
S3014606: demolition crew taking a rest
S3014609 / S3014610: an alternative development proposal by the soi inhabitants (renovation and conversion into a walking street)
S3014611 / S30146012: "S.O.S. - Save Our Soi"
Yet another piece of history gone for good - sadly enough, hardly something new for Bangkok. The thing that is so outrageous in this particular case is that this development has been initiated and pushed forward by a local temple. :mad:
That said, whatever happened to...
* Soi Luenrit (http://www.2bangkok.com/soileunrit.shtml)? The Crown Property Bureau article (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2264) mentioned that the area has already been razed? Anyone know the details?
* Mahakan Fort (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/buildings/mahakan/mahakanfort.shtml)? I have seen myself how the first quarter of the area was converted into a park, but after that....? Are there still wooden houses left at all now? :(
* The Kurusapa Printing House (http://www.2bangkok.com/news04m.shtml#Kurusapa)?
* Pak Khlong Talat (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/buildings/pakklong/pakklong.shtml)?
Time for an update on urban conservation / Bangkok communities.
---------------
Unrelated, but also interesting: pic S3014610 shows the newly renovated Royal Seminary building (taken from a Chao Phraya Expressboat), also once mentioned on 2B when they were constructing that dome structure.
Great idea for a post, ncr, and good pics too...
>* Soi Luenrit? The Crown Property Bureau article mentioned that the area has already been razed? Anyone know the details?
Soi Luenrit is intact. I am not aware of any shophouses that were removed. (That CPB article is off the mark in a number of ways...)
>* Mahakan Fort? I have seen myself how the first quarter of the area was converted into a park, but after that....? Are there still wooden houses left at all now?
The Mahakan Fort community is still there. Nothing more has been removed since the small park in the north of the site was opened in 2004.
>* The Kurusapa Printing House?
Still there. Covered with graffiti.
>* Pak Khlong Talat?
Still there I think (haven't been by recently). This is an area that should go... dank, filthy meat packing houses and slums right on the waterfront.
All of these above projects seemed to loose steam during the political turmoil of 2005-2006. (I think when the overall political situation is uncertain, organizations are less willing to confront local people over controversial, hot-button issues like throwing them out of their homes.)
Soi Wanglee? It was only spruced up (and by this I mean painted) after the eviction notices came. Before that they went for some 60 years unpainted and moldering away. Considering the strategic and valuable location and considering the neglect of the site, it is only natural that the city would want to spruce this site up.
Now I am not saying it is good to throw people out of their homes and I shudder to think of what touristy monstrosity they will erect on the site, but if you have a series of underutilized crumbling buildings in a prime location, people will ask "why can't this area by better utilized?"
Of course, a concerted policy to monitor and plan what stays and what can go it key to both preservation and the growth of the city...
By the way, on that same day I also went to the old Thonburi Station (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/buildings/thonburi/thonburi.shtml), and guess what? Still, absolutely nothing has happened there since I last checked (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/buildings/thonburi/thonburiupdate.shtml)......
While quite some construction is going on / has been completed inside the Sirirat compound proper (e.g. a new nurses' residence), the 'donated' SRT areal is just laying idle, 3 years (!) after they dismantled the tracks. :mad:
What has become of the high-flying plans?
It may be run down but is still of great historic interest. The plan developed by the residents, the very community that has supported Wat Yannawa over the years, was very attractive and preserved the essential character of the Soi. Clearly the Wat can make a greater profit from destroying it completely and evicting the community and that is all that matters. One of the buildings at the corner of the soi and Charoen Krung was one of Bangkok's oldest bars and still contains many artifacts from it's heyday in the 40s and 50s as described
here (http://oldbangkok.com/Soi-wanglee/index-wanglee.html) and also
here (http://bangkokeyes.com)
It may be run down but is still of great historic interest.Exactly my point. It's not that these houses are particularly valuable from an artistic/architectural point of view, let alone well preserved...
it's just that there are not many 80+ year old buildings left in this city (apart from some temples). :(
Was the recent Crown Property Bureau thread deleted? Cannot seem to find it.... so I am posting here.
CPB pushing city land development (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/14Mar2007_news01.php) - Bangkok Post, 14 March 2007
Lang Suan residents face eviction this year
SUPOJ WANCHAROEN, ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA & KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN
The Crown Property Bureau will turn away from small lessees and instead invite large-scale property developers to build megaprojects on its land in the heart of Bangkok for the sake of bigger returns, in a move which surprised some residents but was welcomed by estate developers. A source at the bureau said the change would start with a plot on Phloenchit road within this year. The plot stretches from a corner next to Mater Dei school to near the Ton Son Tower building, and its width extends from Phloenchit road down Lang Suan road to Nguan Lee restaurant on the curb between Lang Suan and Sarasin roads. Most of the contracts with small-scale lessees are about to expire. Seeing the opportunity for large-scale developments, the bureau will not extend their contracts, the source said.
"The property bureau views that returns from small lessees are too low and if there should be a change in the future, it will be difficult to terminate their contracts. So there is a plan to invite large-scale operators whose businesses are estimated at billions of baht to launch mega-projects there in exchange for 30-year-long concessions," the source said. The bureau would also invite large-scale developers onto many other plots where lease contracts are to expire this year. Most Lang Suan area residents said they had not yet been officially informed about the project. Those whose houses have sat on the rented land of the bureau for a few decades said they had heard nothing from the land owner so far. "There were rumours about an evacuation plan three or four years ago, then everything went quiet. I don't know if they will actually come down on us or not," said a resident of Soi Lang Suan 6 who declined to be named.
Chanpen Supho, 34, a fruit vendor in the area, said she knew nothing about the project, but she had already lost her stall at the mini-shopping arcade in Soi Lang Suan 4 over a month ago. "The land owner told us to move to a new place in the middle of Soi 6. But I gave up because I couldn't afford the rent of 9,000 baht a month," said Ms Chanpen, who is now selling her fruit from a cart. However, some restaurant owners whose contracts are going to end have already prepared to leave. Pawalee Kruaboonraj, owner of Ad Makers pub and restaurant, said she will have to close and look for a new location after the end of this year. "Our land lease contract will end in December, and the owner has already informed us that it won't be renewed," said Ms Pawalee. She said she had heard that a luxury condominium will be built instead. Ad Makers has rented the land for 15 years, and is popular with Thai and foreign customers. Some customers already know about the relocation. Ms Pawalee said she wanted the new location to be near the old site. "Closing the restaurant will certainly affect our business and more than 40 employees here, but what else can we do? This is not our land. Since the owner will terminate the lease, we have to go," she said.
Chainid N. Sirimanee, managing director of Property Perfect Plc, said gathering small plots of land in the Lang Suan area would create great development potential for property projects. Mr Chainid said the plots would be suitable for the development of hotels, serviced apartments, offices and commercial complexes. If the capital controls were abolished, there would be a lot of overseas investors entering the bidding, he added. But Anuphong Assavabhokhin, chief executive of Asian Property Development Plc, said it would not enter the bidding as it focused on housing sales and was not interested in rental-income businesses. He said the area covering Ratchadamri road to Lang Suan and Phloenchit was Bangkok's prime location, with the highest investment. New big land plots would add more value to the location. He felt the plots would have potential for development of residential projects like serviced apartments as Lang Suan was popular among expatriates who sought apartments for rent. The occupancy rate of the projects in the area was more than 90% throughout the year, while their asking price was very high.
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2264
Wisarut
14-03-07, 06:14 PM
Hope that this wold NOT involved with the Big One ....
Even the case of Wanglee Buildign near Wat Yannawa may have come onnection with the Big One since the Big One and hte abbot of Wat Yannawa is a closed alliance ..... :eek:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2264Hmmmm.... what's that:
"Your administrator has required a password to access this forum. Please enter this password now."
By the way, the above story was right on the front page of today's Bangkok Post, with photo.
(So much for the claims that the CPB's dealings are secretive or that it is "above criticism".)
jpatokal
07-05-07, 08:06 PM
So I'll be in Bangkok again next weekend, and I have the demanding assignment of reviewing a selection of the fancy Italian restaurants around Soi Langsuan/Tonson off Ploenchit. (I know, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.) I'm having a surprisingly tough time digging up any info on the area's history though -- when did the first Italian eateries pop up there, and when did it become hip? Was there anything before the serviced apartments for expats (Somerset, Cape House etc) opened their doors? Pretty much all I've been able to find out is that the oddly named Air Plane opened "in the late 1990s" (pre-crash or post-crash?) and was the bee's knees among the hi-so set for a while. I'll buy a glass of wine for the most informative reply, redeemable either between 11-13.5. in Bangers or anytime later in Singapore :D
Nothing to do with the real subject in hand here, but my most abiding memory of Soi Langsuan is walking along the street midday a few years back. Obviously none of those swank restaurants have fat traps in their drains. The tessaban workers were using ropes to drag huge fat deposits out of the drains. Truly gross and a true reminder of the old Orwellian idea that the more you pay for a restaurant the more gross the behind-the-scenes reality really is.
Dear 2bangkok.com,
I need your help in providing me some information on the origins of Huaykwang District, Bangkok, as i am writing an essay on Huaykwang. Can you help me?
Is Huaykwang one of the the jewellery shopping districts in Bangkok? Is it founded by the Thai Chinese and who is the founder? Does Huaykwang have any notable events in Thai history? What makes Huaykwang a desired choice for commercial development as it is so far from Suvarnabhumi?
I observe airline offices from Silom shifting gradually to Huaykwang.
Chyan
Wisarut
14-07-07, 10:24 PM
Dear 2bangkok.com,
I need your help in providing me some information on the origins of Huaykwang District, Bangkok, as i am writing an essay on Huaykwang. Can you help me?
Is Huaykwang one of the the jewellery shopping districts in Bangkok? Is it founded by the Thai Chinese and who is the founder? Does Huaykwang have any notable events in Thai history? What makes Huaykwang a desired choice for commercial development as it is so far from Suvarnabhumi?
I observe airline offices from Silom shifting gradually to Huaykwang.
Chyan
Nope, For the case of Huay Kwang District, it was separated from Phyathai Distrct accordign to Royal Decree for Separating BMA Districts BE 2516 - effective in 16 August 1973.
Initially there were 2 communes in this district - Huay Kwang commune and Bang Kapi commune
The Royal decree in 1978 has transferred Dindaeng commune from Phayathai District to Huay Kwang district.... with the exchange for some area from Huay Kwang commune to Samsen Nai commune and Makkasan Commune of Phayathai District (then) ...
The result on 3 may 1982, Huay kwang District consisted of 4 communes
1. Huay Wang
2. Samsen Nok
3. Bang kapi
4. Din Daeng
On 14 Jan 1994, the Royal decrees to creat Dindaeng District of BE 2536 had become effective ... Now there are 3 communes for Huay Kwang
1. Huay Wang
2. Samsen Nok
3. Bang kapi
// ---------------------------------------------------------------
50 - 100 Years ago, Dindaeng, Huay Kwang were rice field and even garbage dump ... alogn with the houses for the poor peasants .... BKK City expansion has changed all of that ....
Hi,
What do the zones of Huaykwang District and Huaykwang mean in Thai? I believe the zones and district have meanings, just like my town in Singapore, Ang Mo Kio, which is named after the bridge built by a Caucasian engineer in the junction of Upper Thomson Road and Bishan Park during the colonial days.
Wisarut
15-07-07, 06:28 PM
In such a case, Huay Wang means "Stream running AGAINST" ... In this caswe it is runnign againstgy Klogn Saen Saeb which running easst to east while Huay Kwang is running north to South ....
For the case of Dindaeng, it has red clay or reddish dirt roads ....
I'd also be interested in the origins of these names, as Huai Khwang is my home district.... From my knowledge and the dictionary:
huai (ห้วย) = stream, khwang (ขวาง) = obstruct; across; in the way
din (ดิน) = soil, earth, daeng (แดง) = red
Bang Kapi (บางกะปิ) = shrimp paste village?
Sam Sen Nok (สามเสนนอก) = Outer Samsen (What's the meaning of Samsen? Three....?)
Here: nok with long open "o" (nork, nawk), as opposed to nok with short vowel (= bird). (Compare Ratchadamnoen Nok - Ratchadamnoen Klang - Ratchadamnoen Nai: Outer, Central, Inner R.)
Jromerz
15-08-07, 03:15 PM
A bit of Bkk trivia, lets see how many people know...
Does anyone know where the Jerusalem community is located in Bangkok?
mdechgan
16-08-07, 02:44 AM
Thai-Jews are a rarity here in Thailand. I mean really rare unless they were tourists.
Might be located on Khaosan Road, but I have seen some signs on Sukhumvit Road though. But I'm sure I saw a Chabad sign at one of these two places.
There's a fairly young rabbi in Bangkok. I have a world music DVD (1 Giant Leap - 2002) on which he is interviewed about 'God/Unity'. I too seem to remember some comment about him being based on a Sukhumvit soi. I'll dig it out and take a look. Rabbi Yosef Kantor. Apparently, the directors found his name in 'Lonely Planet', but I haven't found an entry yet. Personally, I preferred the Dennis Hopper interview.;)
The Enforcer!
16-08-07, 11:09 AM
Assuming one is asking "where is the Jewish community?" as Jerusalem is also a Christian and Moslem city, the major centres appear to be:
> The Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center located in a sub-soi off Sukhumvit 22.
> The Chabad House Synagogue in a sub-soi off Soi Ram Buttri.
> Even Chen Synagogue in Soi Chareon Krung 42/1
The Enforcer!
I now think The Enforcer is right to point out the divided city issue. I think I may have a partial answer here. Note that Jerusalem Village Fire Station lies very close to a mosque in Huamark District, Rama XI Soi 32 :
http://i14.tinypic.com/6ge6vzo.jpg
(Some browsers will have a magnifier cursor to click on for clearer map viewing.)
Jromerz
17-08-07, 07:32 AM
And it comes as no surprise that GWR gets the right answer. There is a หมู่บ้านเยรูซาเลม (Moo Ban Jerusalem) located just off Rama IX road, with the fire station next to it. It is next to the khlong that runs directly under the expressway that goes towards the port.. On Ramkhamhaeng road there is a large sign with the community's name just next to the khlong, probably easier to see if you walk it. As with most of the communities around there it is Muslim...
I wonder what its history is.. maybe should take a walk around there and ask some of the older people about that.
Either way the whole area of Ramkhamhaeng is quite interesting in that there is a completely different vibe when compared with other areas of the city. I always get the feeling that the population of young adults far exceeds that of any other section of Bangkok...
Wisarut
17-08-07, 06:13 PM
And it comes as no surprise that GWR gets the right answer. There is a หมู่บ้านเยรูซาเลม (Moo Ban Jerusalem) located just off Rama IX road, with the fire station next to it. It is next to the khlong that runs directly under the expressway that goes towards the port..
On Ramkhamhaeng road there is a large sign with the community's name just next to the khlong, probably easier to see if you walk it. As with most of the communities around there it is Muslim...
I wonder what its history is.. maybe should take a walk around there and ask some of the older people about that.
Either way the whole area of Ramkhamhaeng is quite interesting in that there is a completely different vibe when compared with other areas of the city. I always get the feeling that the population of young adults far exceeds that of any other section of Bangkok...
Sure, thsoe who live alogn Saen Saeb canal are Cham people (Muslim Cambodians) form Cambodia as well as former POWs from Pattani ... The live alogn Saen Saeb canal all the way to Minburi and Nong CHok.
For the case of Ram Khamahaeng, it is Ramkhamhaeng University, Bodiundeja School and ABAC university that attracts the youngsters ....
Jromerz
18-08-07, 09:10 PM
Just passed by that area today... its actually called ชุมชนเยรูซาเล็ม (chum chon Jerusalem) not หมู่บ้าน (moo ban) ... The khlong is named คลองกะจะ (Khlong Kaja).
Last weekend I went to have a look what's going on at Soi Charoen Krung 52 (aka Soi Wanglee, near Taksin Bridge).
See this page (http://www.2bangkok.com/06/news06august.shtml) for background story (Wat Yannawa Tenants Fight Back - August 14, 2006). And I also found this (http://www.icomosthai.org/m_news/Wanglee.htm).
Well, it seems all is lost, despite petitions to the Bangkok Governor, the Fine Arts Department etc. Only few houses are still occupied, most abandoned and gutted and some already reduced to rubble.
My photos here (http://de.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nrennenberg/album?.dir=/67e1scd).Now to be found somewhere else (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60485851@N00/sets/72157601980486179/).
Jromerz
16-10-07, 03:44 AM
If anyone has passed the Din Daeng flats recently they will notice a new paintjob that has been given to the wall along Rama IX ... This was done by Brazilian artist Carlos Contente.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s8wMqvhroY
The Enforcer!
16-10-07, 09:47 AM
If anyone has passed the Din Daeng flats recently they will notice a new paintjob that has been given to the wall along Rama IX ... This was done by Brazilian artist Carlos Contente.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s8wMqvhroY
Errr ...and these are the flats that today's Nation says are to be demolished, yes?
The Enforcer!
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Din Daeng flats must come down
Published on October 16, 2007
Residents will be compensated for moving out
The National Housing Authority (NHA) decided yesterday to tear down 32 tenement blocks in Bangkok's Din Daeng Housing Estate so that the site can be redeveloped, NHA board member Kwansuang Atibodhi said.
Residents wishing to move out permanently will get Bt250,000 in compensation from the NHA plus Bt10,000 for relocation, he said.
For those wishing to still have a flat at the estate, the NHA will provide them with temporary shelter and pay each family Bt10,000 in relocation expenses and Bt3,000 per month in rent.
After a three-hour meeting yesterday, Kwansuang said the board would demolish buildings 21 to 32 in zone A, buildings 1 to 8 in zone B and those numbered 9 to 20 in zone C.
Kwansuang said the buildings were too rundown and unsafe. Tomorrow, the board will issue a newsletter informing the residents about the reasons for knocking down the buildings. Some Thammasat University lecturers will be available to meet people to answer questions.
The board said it wanted to demolish the buildings before the elections because it did not want the decision to be used as a ploy for votes. For instance, a party might promise to stop the demolition in exchange for votes.
Half of zone C - buildings 15 to 20 - will be demolished and rebuilt first. This was expected to take two years, he said. Residents will be given temporary shelter and Bt3,000 a month rent throughout the period, he said.
Residents who wanted to move out permanently would also have the option of trading their flat for a Baan Ua Athorn house worth Bt390,000. But the trade could only be made under the condition they pay a Bt130,000 down payment and make instalments through a bank 10 years for the rest. In the first three years, they would have to pay Bt350 per month, he said.
Once the new buildings were in place, the demolition of the rest of zone C would begin and should take another two years to complete. Residents would stay in 2,000 units in the new buildings, which are expected to cost Bt4 billion, he said. The demolition would then extend to zones A and B.
Zone B will be turned into a mall with a food court, restaurants in the basement, plus six floors to be rented out for offices. Zone A will be turned into a condominium in which units will be sold for Bt2 million and above.
He said the redevelopment should cost some Bt10 billion.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/16/headlines/headlines_30052585.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/16/headlines/headlines_30052585.php
Din Daeng tenants fight demolition plan
Published on October 17, 2007
Residents of the Din Daeng Housing Estate yesterday slammed the National Housing Authority (NHA) board's decision to tear down 32 buildings for redevelopment and asked why people claiming to be from Thammasat University (TU) had visited the estate and made residents sign forms.
They said they would protest outside the university if it did not offer an explanation.
The residents, led by Tathaya Prapaipetch, Dusit Yodsri and Ratchareuk Paolohit, gathered at Building 26 yesterday morning to voice their objection to the decision to raze the 32 buildings to make way for new flats, a condominium and a shopping plaza.
The group also demanded that TU explain why its representatives had visited the community and "forced" the residents to sign some forms.
They feared the NHA might use the forms to claim the residents backed the demolition.
Ratchareuk appealed to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to intervene as the residents had no one else to turn to.
"The NHA kept saying the flats had deteriorated, but never sent anyone to repair them. We don't want a condominium for the rich, we don't want a mall; we want a place to stay that meets people's needs," he said.
Dusit said the rental rate proposed by the NHA for affected residents to live in the new flats was not acceptable because they "couldn't even afford Bt300 a month".
He said the NHA should see the real conditions faced by the residents and not rush to finish the project in the current government's term but wait for an elected government that truly represented the people.
Insisting the residents' movement had no hidden agenda, Tathaya said they wanted the NHA to repair the buildings, as suggested by the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Council of Engineers.
He asked how the NHA could invest in redevelopment that cost Bt10 billion when it kept saying it had no budget to repair the flats.
Ratchareuk said that if the NHA went ahead with plan, the residents would raise this discrepancy with National Legislative Assembly chairman Meechai Ruchupan.
"The residents and I are in shock to learn about the NHA's cruelty to the poor. The fact that they told the media before the residents shows they wanted to force our hand.
"Many are heartbroken because they paid Bt280,000 to buy the rights for each unit as officials insisted they could stay for a long time," he added.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/17/national/national_30052720.php
Jromerz
17-10-07, 02:51 AM
Errr ...and these are the flats that today's Nation says are to be demolished, yes?
The Enforcer!
Yep...and now the eviction fight starts...
Flat dwellers warm up to Ua Athorn homes
(BangkokPost.com) – The National Housing Authority (NHA) is contemplating the idea of moving occupants of the Din Daeng flats to the Ua Arthorn housing project.
Prajamsri Boonyanetr, a Public Relations officer for the NHA, recently shrugged off calls made by the Din Daeng flat residents to pay each occupant one million baht to compensate for plans to demolish the row of flats.
“It is a preposterous request. We can only pay each 250,000 baht plus 10,000 baht for relocation fees,” she said.
“But so far, the idea of giving them Ua Arthorn homes in return has been well received. 1,700 of the 1,900 families living at the Din Daeng flats have already warmed up to the proposal.”
Engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology warned last year warned that the Din Daeng flats have deteriorated “beyond any worthwhile repairs” and urged the National Housing Authority to demolish 20 of the decades-old housing estate.
They were deemed as “red zone” areas and residents living in them were immediately urged to evacuate.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=125339
18 February 2008
Din Daeng Flat residents ask for 1 million as compensation to move
Former Deputy Leader of the Chart Thai party Choowit Kamolwisit (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฏ์) agreed to act as a mediator between Din Daeng flat residents and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Mr. Choowit stated that he would submit 2 demands of the residents to the ministry.
The first demand stated that the residents must be allowed to remain at the flat if they choose for at least 20 years as engineers have confirmed the structure is still safe enough and repairs would not require residents to move out. The second demand was that the National Housing Authority (NHA) must compensate residents in the event that it forces them to move by paying 1 million baht per unit of the flats.
The NHA had initially offered 250,000 baht per unit with 10,000 baht for moving fees which residents stated was insufficient. The resident group has stated that it will resist being moved if third parties are seeking to use the area for commercial purposes.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter01
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255102180002
mdechgan
18-02-08, 12:33 PM
Does anyone know the leases on the flats?
If the flats are leased then 250,000 baht compensation is a windfall for these people who are usually lower class income. Even if they were owned outright 250,000 baht for reapppropriation is a suitable amount because these one bedroom 12-16 square meter flats are 300,000 baht max. Plus moving expenses.
I think the people are irked because of the location.
On the other hand I think they are just holding out for more money because it would be their only sole source for a big wad of money unless they hope to win the lottery.
NHA to renovate Din Daeng Flats
Minister of Social Development and Human Security Anusorn Wongwan (อนุสรณ์ วงศ์วรรณ) says he has instructed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to renovate Din Daeng Flats and the ministry will send officials to conduct a survey on the needs of the flat residents.
The minister says NHA will renovate the flats instead of demolish them. The renovation of Din Daeng Flats was approved by former minister of social development and human security Chawarat Charnweerakul (ชวรัตน์ ชาญวีระกูล). NHA will examine the buildings and submit a report on the renovation to the ministry which will later decide which buildings should be repaired.
According to the minister, there are two groups of Din Daeng residents. The first group wants the flats to be demolished and rebuilt while the second group wants the government to fix the damaged building only. The minister says representatives of the two groups will be invited to settle the matter.
As for problems concerning the liquidity of NHA, the minister says he has invited the NHA governor to talk about the problems and outline a plan to improve the liquidity. The plan will be reviewed by the Cabinet shortly. The minister says further that he has also assigned the NHA governor to oversee the selling of Ban Uea Arthorn (บ้านเอื้ออาทร) in “”Man Jai Thailand Mega Projects” Fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from September 12th – 14th.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255108200017
Jromerz
12-09-08, 01:05 PM
Anybody here know where Sukhumvit soi 37 went? Is it the small soi linked to soi 39 that has Coca restaurant and the massage school?
I've been wondering for years ..
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