The National Housing Authority (NHA) and Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) met last week to discuss possibilities of developing new housing projects in close proximity to future train stations. With plans to extend the two existing MRT lines and develop five completely new lines over the next ten years, the MRT is expected to transform Bangkok by creating new real estate demand in dozens of currently underdeveloped areas.
As the MRTA has extensive plans to grow its network of public underground train stations, the organizations have decided to hire a Thammasat University team do research about the feasibility of developing the project around either the Bangping station (a green line station at Samutprakarn) or/and Klong Bang Pai (a purple line station at Nonthaburi).
The meeting, held on August 29th was attended by Mr.Kritsada Raksakul, NHA Director and Mr.Ronnachit Yaemsaard, MRTA Deputy Governor. The result from the conference, as announced by Mr. Kritsada Rasakul is that that the Thammasat University Research and Consultancy Institute will do a research study to assess finances, conceptual designs, possibilities for marketing, investments and project management. Additionally, the NHA and MRTA have requested that laws surrounding Land Expropriation and acts regarding MRTA Establishment are amended to help this project’s development, as well as other similar projects be carried out more efficiently.
Mr.Ronnachit Yaemsaard stated that the project will push on to succeed as soon as possible, keeping in mind that the new purple line stations will open about the end of 2016. The project details are awaiting approval from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Council of Ministers. After the approval, the project will go forward as planned.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) just approved 30 Billion Baht to NHA for the invest in Baan-ur-ar-thorn’s low cost housing project.
