Samak pushes for extension of BTS routes and construction of low-cost, medium-rise flats
Revealing his plans for Bangkok's infrastructure development, Mr. Samak Sundaravej, Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said that priority is being given to expanding the routes of the Bangkok Transport System (BTS) and constructing low-cost medium-rise flats.
Mr. Samak spoke at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on Wednesday, 20 Sept. in a special lecture organized by the Asian Center for Transportation Studies in collaboration with the Thai Society for Transportation and Studies and BMA. The lecture was sponsored by Yontrakit Intersales Co.
Mr. Samak said that the BTS route expansion will decongest Bangkok and help to ease vehicular traffic. He said that a feasibility study of the proposed routes and a financing plan are underway.
Under Mr. Samak's proposal the BTS route beyond Onnuj will be extended to Samrong, Teparak, and Bang Plee. Extending beyond Morchit, the route will cover Klong Bangsue, Klong Lad Prao, Bang Bua, and Paholyothin, passing along a klong behind Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, Srinakharinwirot University (Bangkhen Campus), Jusco, Ying Charoen Market, Saimai, Lumlooka, and Klong Rangsit. Beyond Saphan Taksin, the BTS route will be extended to cover Wongwien Yai, Ekachai and Samut Sakhon.
Mr. Samak said that these new routes will attract a heavy volume of passengers. The new routes will be elevated in some parts and road-level in others. Mr. Samak added that the overall investment, as well as the operating costs, should be lower than those required for the existing routes.
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left), Dean SCE, handing a token of appreciation to Mr. Samak.
According to Mr. Samak, the proposed low-cost flats built on privately owned land to be purchased by BMA will be sold to individual owners. Flats on Government-owned land will be available for rent. The buildings will be five- to seven-storeys high, with each building consisting of 120 units. Units measuring 40 sq.m. will be for couples while 80 sq.m. flats are intended for families with children. Each building will occupy 1600 sq.m., with 1000 sq.m. used for the structure itself and 600 sq.m. for recreational areas. Mr. Samak expressed hope that the move to the suburbs will attract not only city residents but also the some 30,000 illegal small factories that are currently based in some buildings in central Bangkok.
Mr. Samak also proposed the construction of single-floor townshouses in some areas. He invited investors to construct park and ride spots near the BTS stations in the suburbs to serve those residing in housing estates.
Photo shows Mr. Samak (second from right) with, from left: Prof. Yordphol Tanaboriboon, ACTS Director and AIT faculty; Mr. Thitikorn Leenutaphong of Yontrakit Intersales Co., Ltd.; Dr. Prapansak Buranaprapa of the Ministry of Transport and Communications; and Dr. Sahas Bunditkul, Deputy Bangkok Governor.