Bangkok: The government is expediting the development of area-specific measures to mitigate the impact of the Red Line electric train construction. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes infrastructure development alongside the well-being of the people. The Ministry of Transport has expedited the formulation of measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of the Red Line electric train project (Wian Yai - Talat Phlu - Chom Thong section) following suggestions and concerns from residents in the area. Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, was contacted by Mr. Sarawut Lokhande and Mr. Kritsarayuth Wongsiri and instructed relevant agencies to hold an urgent meeting to determine specific measures to support the affected residents.
According to Thai News Agency, the deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that, following discussions with relevant agencies, a management approach specific to the area has been established. Because the Wiang Yai-Talad Plu-Chom Thong area is an old town community with a high density of houses, commercial buildings, schools, religious sites, markets, and cultural attractions, appropriate measures must be taken, prioritizing the safety and livelihoods of the residents.
Key measures include maximizing the use of the existing railway alignment to minimize land expropriation; clarifying rights and impacts to residents on a plot-by-plot basis; surveying and documenting building conditions before construction begins to assess potential damage; strictly controlling dust, noise, and vibration; and maintaining access to homes, shops, schools, and religious sites to ensure their usability throughout the construction period.
In addition, measures are in place to protect schools and students, including establishing safe pick-up and drop-off routes, inspecting building structural integrity, avoiding noisy or dusty operations during school hours, and safeguarding religious sites, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks in the community. Furthermore, assistance measures will be provided to affected businesses and shops based on the level of damage.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the Ministry of Transport has also mandated that contractors obtain project insurance and third-party liability insurance, and has established a coordination center to receive complaints in the area. Furthermore, a community coordination committee comprising representatives from government agencies, contractors, schools, religious institutions, businesses, and local residents will be formed to continuously monitor progress, gather feedback, and resolve issues throughout the construction period.
"The government affirms that infrastructure development must proceed while considering the impact on the public. All suggestions and concerns from the public will be heard and implemented with concrete measures to ensure that the Red Line electric train project, from Wiang Yai to Talat Phlu to Chom Thong, can be carried out safely, transparently, and benefit the public in the long term," Ms. Lalida said.