The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is moving forward with plans to expropriate land in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district for the western route of the Orange Line railway system. The project initially sought to acquire land across seven communities in the Prachasongkhroh area but faced strong opposition from residents. In response, the MRTA has scaled back the expropriation, focusing only on areas deemed essential by a recent Royal Decree.
Land surveying is set to begin in October, with affected residents receiving at least 15 days’ notice. Compensation for the expropriated land will be based on market prices determined by a panel of officials from the Treasury and Land Departments.
Despite these provisions, around 1,000 households are expected to be impacted, and many residents are preparing to challenge the project in the Administrative Court by September 5. They claim the expropriation process lacks sufficient environmental impact assessments and community consultation.
The western section of the MRT Orange Line will span 13.4 kilometers and feature 11 underground stations, bringing considerable changes to the local area. This includes the removal of trees and the realignment of pedestrian overpasses. (NNT)
