Forts of Rattanakosin

[ncr]

(Mahakan has extensively been covered at http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/bui...kanfort.shtml; Soi Luenrit was lately featured under http://www.bangkokpost.com/220903_Ne...03_news16.html)

Time for sarcasm: Oh yes, Bangkok surely needs another shopping center, and it must be built right in the oldest and most precious quarters of Chinatown, of all places; and for the park, it's fine to create some more greenery in the city of course, but must it be another sterile arrangement with decorative plants (see also "Plant more trees in city, urges academic" - http://www.bangkokpost.com/230803_Ne...03_news12.html), and must the people living there be removed?

But don't worry, sometime in the future you'll probably be able to admire replicas of traditional Bangkok wooden houses (and their former inhabitants?) in the PM's new art museum......

What a disgrace. History is once again being treated like a nuisance and a mere obstacle to "development" that must be disposed of as quickly as possible. There's not that much of it left in Bangkok anyway, and it seems the few remainders will be cleared soon if the current developments go on. Don't Thai people have the slightest sense for their cultural heritage, despite having produced such a great culture and traditions over the centuries?

Apart from the material loss, IMO it is plain cruel to evict families who have always lived in these areas, have close emotional and/or work-related ties to them and often simply couldn't exist anywhere else; and especially to throw out the old people (cf. the Bangkok post article about Luenrit). I can imagine some of them will die of grief.

Sadly, the responsible persons will never understand that their modern development policies aren't always the best solution. They want to make Bangkok a more attractive place, but don't realize that the city also loses very precious things in the process. How much better would it be to integrate the old and the new! The Mahakan Fort could become a unique attraction if it was cleaned up and renovated, offering a combination of nature, beautiful old architecture (maybe including small private museums) and a glimpse at a traditional way of living and the craftsmanship of the inhabitants.

It goes without saying that the residents would also have to take some responsibility here, but in both cases, they have agreed to participate in the conservation efforts. The Mahakan Fort people have even offered to occupy only a part of the disputed area and help in creating the park. But it was in vain. No, let's bulldoze the whole area, chop down the existing trees and plant new ones that fit into our plan, creating an orderly, but faceless and barely attractive park that you could have in any city in the world. (And the people will be transferred to equally faceless suburban housing projects, their community disrupted.)

Why, oh why not find a compromise that satisfies everybody??? (According to the media coverage, that wouldn't be all too difficult after all!) Obviously, face plays a role in the Mahakan Fort case, as so very often - it seems the BMA cannot give in and turn back anymore, feeling it would only show their "weakness". In the case of Soi Luenrit, there are of course strong commercial interests; I don't even want to speculate about vested interests and kickback payments......

But I have a dream.......

Maybe the residents could write a petition to H.M. the King, or he could become aware of the importance of this issue himself? He is a wise man and I am sure he would want to preserve these old communities and structures. Supposed he made a public announcement to the effect of, say, "It is my wish that the residents be allowed to stay and these historical structures be preserved", no stubborn government official or ruthless investor could push through his original plans, or could he?

Just a dream?

[ttaaee]

I love this kind of "then and now" pictures. Nicely done. Look forward to seeing more.

[admin]

thanks!

we have a very interesting one from Songkhla province if i can find the original photos--it is an historic old fort that vanished and is replaced by a yard that holds building supplies for nearby construction projects

[The Enforcer!]

Great map - not sure where this thread should be so I hope the Moderators will move it where they want!

To start the ball rolling ....

No.11 POM WICHAI PRASIT

No.13 POM PHRA CHAN

No.15 POM PHRA ATHIT

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

URL:http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/7153/pomsun.htm

gives some slightly different spellings (2Bangkok in brackets):

Phra Sumain (Prasumen)
Yukornton (Yukonthon)
Mahaprab
Mahakan (Mahakarn)
Mootaluog (Mootaluang)
Seurtayan (Sertayan)
Mahachai
Charkphet (Jakpetch)
Phisua (Phiser)
Mahaluok (Mahalerk)
Mahayak
Phrachun (Prachan)
Phra-Ar-thit (Pra-atid )
Isintorn


The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

As No. 5 appears to be opposite Th. Luang where I feel there was a city gate, I would hazard a guess that Fort No. 5 is Mootaluang!

As No.7 appears to be at the start of Th. Mahachai (No.4 Mahakarn is at the other end) I would hazard a guess that Fort No. 7 is Mahachai!

As No.9 appears to in Talad Pak Klong, and that is on Th. Chak Phet I would hazard a guess that Fort No. 9 is Charkphet (Jakpetch)!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Well, I know too well that the details on the demolition fo the forts
aroudn Rattanakosin island are in The National Archieves - From the Ministry of
Local Administration [Krasuang Nakhon Ban - up to 1922] and Ministry of Interior
[Krasuang Mahatthai].

For Example, Fort Mahachai [No. 7 Now, DBS Thai Danu Bank,
Wang Boorapha Branch] has been demolished by the request from Prince Bhanurangsee
(the owner of Wang Booraphabhirom - now Merrykign Wang Boorapha) after Chrismas of 1926.
[Approved a few days later by King Prajadhipok]

BTW, ther are 14 forts NOT 15 forts.

Phra Athit Fort (No 14) is now the place where BMA Tourist Center is
Phra Chan Fort (No 13) is now the place where Tha Prachan Pier is
Chak Phet Fort (No. 8) is at the mouth of Ong Ang City Moat.

[The Enforcer!]

Originally Posted by Wisarut

BTW, ther are 14 forts NOT 15 forts.

That is because the Fort marked No. 11 (Wichai Prasit) is not a Bangkok Wall Fort - it was built on the other side of the river.

The Enforcer!

[Nomsen]

http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/ถนนหลวง

It said that Suer Tayan is the beginning of Thanon Luang, now becomes Ruenjam (Prison) Junction, Prison Museum and Rommaneenart Park.
Not Mootaluang, Sir.

[The Enforcer!]

Found this fuller list on http://203.155.220.239/th/themes/mai...bangkok_bg.htm

1. Phra Sumain Fort - located at the corner of the northern city wall on the*southside of the starting point of Klong Bang Lamphu Bon
2. Yukunthorn Fort - at the northern city wall north of Wat Bovornnives.
3. Maha Prab Fort - between Phan Fah Bridge and Chalerm Wan Chart Bridge.
4. Maha Karn Fort - at the foot of Phan Fah Bridge in front of Chalerm Thai*Theatre
5. Mu Taluang Fort - in front of Klong Prem Penitentiary.
6. Sua Tayan Fort - north of Sam Yod Gate at Damrong Sathit Bridge.
7. Maha Chai Fort - on Maha Chai Road in front of Wang Burapha
8. Chakra Petch Fort - north of Klong Ong Ang.
9. Phee Sua Fort - south of Pak Klong Talad.
10. Maha Ruek Fort - near Rachini School and opposite Wichai Phrasit Fort.
11. Maha Yak Fort - at Wat Phra Chetuphon.
12. Phra Chan Fort - at Tah Phra Pier opposite Siriraj Hospital
13. Phra Arthit Fort - at the end of Phra Arthit Rd
14. I-sinthorn Fort - between Phra Sumain Fort and Phra Arthit Fort.

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

Mahakan residents lose battle
Published on August 30, 2007

The residents of Bangkok's Mahakan Fort community were disappointed to learn this week that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had been told to expropriate the land and turn the four-rai area behind the fort into a park.

Following a 13-year battle to remain in this area of Rattanakosin Island, the residents' hopes rose when Governor Apirak Kosayodhin signed a contract to look into conserving the neighbourhood as a "living museum".

However, all hope evaporated when the Council of State ruled this week that the city could not use the 10 plots for the "living museum" project, a source at City Hall said yesterday. If there is no clear solution, the source said the BMA would have to compensate the 29 households who had refused to move out, and proceed with the park construction.

If the 57 households - 28 of which have already been compensated and have handed their titles over - refuse to leave, the city would have to demolish the homes, the source said. "We've tried to help the residents remain, but the Council of State has overruled our plans. If we don't take the land over, the city itself will be breaking a law."

Currently, a public park covers two rai, while residents dwell in the other half.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007...l_30047047.php

[Yappofloyd]

I think I first read about this issue in 99 or 2000 and I cannot confess to understand the all the issues but I trust that BMA is providing alternative accom somewhere for those who will eb evicted. I guess I should not be surporised that it is taking so long to resolve.

MAHAKARN FORT City Hall to delay evictions SUPOJ WANCHAROEN Bkk Post 09/04/08

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will delay evicting the Mahakarn Fort residents while it studies options, including legal amendments, to settle the longstanding dispute. The residents were originally set to be forced from the area to pave the way for the building of a public park by May 1 but the deadline will be delayed for a while, said Deputy Bangkok Governor Buddipongse Punnakanta.

Mr Buddipongse said the BMA has taken up the residents' suggestion that eviction could be avoided by changing the royal decree on expropriation. The legal changes could allow the residents to stay on the land that they presently occupy. The BMA executives met with the community residents yesterday to try to resolve the issue. The community behind the centuries-old fort on Ratchadamnoen avenue sits on a four-rai land plot which is set for expropriation.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin has indicated he prefers a compromise to eviction. But the expropriation decree demands prompt eviction of the community, a move backed by the Council of State which was asked by City Hall to look into the legal aspects of the issue.

''We've never wanted to drive them out. In fact, we want to fix their problems,'' said Mr Buddipongse at yesterday's meeting. Up to 312 residents of the Mahakarn Fort community have fought for 14 years to maintain the community, which has been earmarked for development into a public park.

Community leader Tawatchai Voramahakun said the legal changes would be a solution to the problem. However, a source said it was against the principle of any law to change the decree to benefit a certain group of people. The fact remained that the community is on public land. Both the BMA and community representatives would meet to discuss the issue again next month.

[Yappofloyd]

In search of a home - Mahakarn Fort residents are living in fear of forced eviction, write Ploenpote Atthakor and Supoj Wancharoen, BKK Post 11/04/08
The green area behind Mahakarn Fort in Phra Nakhon district.
A move by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to push ahead with a plan to evict residents from Mahakarn Fort has brought back fears that have haunted the old community for decades. It has also stalled a project to turn the site in Phra Nakhon district into a living museum, instead of a public park under a development plan proposed by the Committee on the Conservation of Rattanakosin and Old Towns.

The park plan left the BMA in conflict with the fort dwellers for a very long time until Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin agreed to review it, and endorsed in principle the museum project which recognises the right of the dwellers to stay on. He also commissioned a team of researchers led by Chatri Prakitnonthakan, lecturer of Silpakorn University's architecture faculty, to conduct a study of the museum project. The study was completed after eight months and submitted to the BMA last year.

According to Mr Chatri's study, the community - a birthplace for likay performances over a century ago - should be allowed to live in the area, covering four rai, which will be turned into a living museum. Some of the community's wooden houses in early Rattanakosin achitectural style should also be kept and renovated into a museum.

"Actually, there are four museums: the first features the park history and surrounding community in the early Rattanakosin period; the second is a likay museum; the third, a community museum which tells of the long struggle by the community to keep its land; the fourth is the house of a fort dweller known as a great collector of the era."

The lecturer said the BMA's move was confusing. He said a group of BMA staff resisted the museum project. "These staff have a long-standing conflict with the community and do all they can to stall it.

"They have stuck to a decree to expropriate the land in question which was issued in 1992 in the peak of the conflict with the community. They consulted the Council of State, the state legal adviser, which decided that the decree can't be changed, meaning that the area must be cleared and developed into a park. "My argument is that the BMA is able to bypass that decree if it really wants the museum project. Most of those involved agree this is the best way out of the conflict. The decree can be overlooked if the BMA executives want to pursue the museum project. It really depends on the policy," he said.

Mr Chatri said a set of rules and regulations would be introduced for fort dwellers if the museum project went ahead. The rules would be devised by the BMA and the community jointly. "The main point is that the BMA still owns the land. The fort dwellers are required to make a financial contribution to housing renovation. They have to safeguard the museums and are not allowed to accept newcomers, for example. The fort dwellers promised to abide by the conditions or they would have to leave," he said. Mr Chatri said it's time the BMA showed its political will to solve the problem.

Tawatchai Woramahakhun said the fort dwellers still place the hope in negotiations they will have with the BMA next month. Deputy Bangkok Governor Buddhipongse Punnakanta promised the Apirak administration which finishes its tenure later this year won't kick the community out. "A public forum will be held. The problem will be debated from every angle," he said.

He stressed that fort dwellers do not oppose the BMA's park. "The BMA had half of the land, 10 of 21 plots, which it bought from the old dwellers and turned into a park. What's left is the community that was designated as a museum under the Chatri team but the BMA wants to use the decree to expropriate it," he said.

Some people do not understand the fort dwellers. Many see them as people who exploit public property. Worse, they are accused of accepting compensation but they refuse to leave. "It's true that many of us are not original dwellers. Some have leased the land. But the 'newest' members have lived here for at least 16 years. That's a long time," said Mr Tawatchai.

With regard to compensation he said the community had been forced to take this step. "When the eviction began almost two decades ago, the BMA made their 'take it or leave it' offer. We didn't have any choice but accept the first payments. The resettlement area in Min Buri was not an option at the time - no tap water and no electricity. That made us come back to the fort. We did not get the rest of the payment, which was deposited in the Government Savings Bank."

The community is willing to pay back the first tranche of compensation, he added. "We've tried to tell the BMA we're ready to do our duty as citizens or as fort dwellers, serving as park guards, taking care of the trees. "We live in fear of forced eviction. The fight has dragged on for 16 years. Nobody wants to leave. It's our home and the ties among us are strong," he said. "Development should mean a better life. Experience tell us eviction and relocation never works. It ruins people's lives," Mr Tawatchai said.

[Wisarut]

Privy Council Insisting that the communities aroudn Mahakarn Fort must GO Away for Redevelopment by BMA, local people of FOrt Mahakarn are turning against both BMA and Privy Council!
http://breakingnews.nationchannel.co...?newsid=384019

Those who live around Fort Mahakarn area goig nto fight against BMA & Privy Council to Death!
http://www.dailynews.co.th/web/html/...e=1&Template=1

[Yappofloyd]

MAHAKAN FORT Public park 'may become crime spot' By: SUPOJ WANCHAROEN, BKK Post, 3/06/2009
A public park planned for the Mahakan Fort in place of the present community could end up becoming a crime spot, an architect warns. Chatree Prakitnonthakan, a lecturer in architecture at Silpakorn University, said the enclosed nature of the area was the problem.

There are moats on two sides of the site where the ancient fort is located. There is a high wall on one other side, with a small entrance providing access to the planned park. "In principle, there is nothing wrong with developing a park, but not at this site. Being an enclosed area, it would end up crime-infested," Mr Chatree said. The park development requires the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to evict a community of more than 300 people from the site, which is part of the Rattanakosin old-town area.

The BMA on Monday declared it was determined to dust off the plan to evict the Mahakan Fort community and develop the park. The project has received the endorsement of a number of state agencies. In his study on the Mahakan Fort development plan, commissioned by then Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin when he was in office from 2004 to 2008, Mr Chatree laid out a design that would turn the area into a living museum with a public park. Area residents would become tenants, paying rent to the BMA and helping guard the museum and the park.

However, Mr Chatree said the BMA had never paid attention to his study. Deputy city governor Prakorb Jirakitti on Monday said the state had no other choice but to go ahead with the development plan as a royal decree had already been passed to allow land expropriation affecting many communities in the Rattanakosin old-town area to improve the landscape of historical sites.

Wasant Meewong, an adviser to the Bangkok governor, ruled out organising a public forum to discuss the future of the Mahakan Fort community. "We've already moved beyond that point," Mr Wasant said. The forum is one of two suggestions floated by the community to save it from eviction. The other is for the community to be allowed to remain where it is for three years to see if it is capable of turning the area into a historic tourist attraction.

More than 30 residents of the community gathered at City Hall yesterday to oppose the park development. Community coordinator Wimol Daengsa-ard said representatives of the community, the BMA and Silpakorn University had signed an agreement during Mr Apirak's tenure to keep and develop the community as part of a historical and cultural education centre.

MAHAKAN FORT Community threatens to block all access By: SUPOJ WANCHAROEN, Bkk Post 4/06/2009
Residents of the Mahakan Fort community are vowing to seal all entrances to the fort area and nearby roads if City Hall insists on evicting them and turning their community into a public park. Community representative Wimol Daengsa-ard yesterday said this was not the first time the community had decided to close off the neighbourhood to defend it against demolition. Similar action was taken when Samak Sundaravej was governor in 2003.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration back then had piled pressure on the people through such tactics as relocating the Phan Fa pier which served as a source of income for residents on the opposite side of Saen Saep canal. Also, Maha Chai Road, where the fort is located, had been closed off to prevent the public from finding out about the BMA's moves to dismantle the community behind the fort.

For this reason, said Mr Wimol, the residents had resorted again to closing off the Mahakan Fort area and Maha Chai Road to prevent demolition workers entering and to protect their rights. The community plans to renew its action after the BMA on Monday declared it was determined to dust off the plan to evict more than 300 people from the site in favour of a park.

Located in Phra Nakhon district, the fort has become a last stand of communal solidarity against gentrification in a long-running saga of conflicts. The plan for the disputed area is to transform it into a park and tourist attraction, which is part of a plan to re-landscape the inner Rattanakosin Island.