Bangkok: The railway community network has extended its gratitude to Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, for addressing housing issues on land owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Representatives from civil society networks nationwide met with Mr. Pipat to thank the government for its understanding of the villagers' living conditions. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, also included discussions on monitoring and resolving housing challenges for communities on SRT land, with key figures like Dr. Ratchapong Chukaew and Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Governor of SRT, in attendance.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat announced that a joint effort between the SRT and the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) has led to significant improvements in the quality of life for affected communities. To date, land lease agreements have been approved for 64 communities, benefiting 3,121 households across various regions, including Songkhla, Trang, and Bangkok. The collaborative initiative aims to support over 27,084 households through the Baan Mankong (Secure Housing) project, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling inequality.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Transport plans to prioritize assistance for target groups in 35 provinces, involving 300 communities impacted by nationwide rail infrastructure projects. The comprehensive framework includes a 5-year plan (2023-2027), with a budget of 7,718 million baht, to address housing issues for low-income earners in partnership with CODI. The government intends to facilitate legal long-term land leases with SRT and ensure suitable new land is provided for communities displaced by construction projects. A draft order for a "Committee to Oversee and Monitor the Resolution of Housing Problems for Communities on SRT Land" is under consideration, aiming to ensure swift resolution of community issues and improve residents' quality of life.

Source: Thai News Agency