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RUAM RUDI ROW

Thursday, 25 September 2008

District chief admits street too narrow for high-rises Pathumwan district chief Surakiat Limcharoen yesterday conceded certain parts of Soi Ruam Rudi are less than 10 metres wide, meaning construction of high-rise buildings should be prohibited. But he said he was reluctant to suspend the construction of two controversial high-rise buildings there. His remarks came a day after Grand Chamberlain Khwankeo Vajarodaya, Royal Household doctor Songkram Sapcharoen, and 24 residents of Soi Ruam Rudi filed administrative charges against him and the Bangkok governor for allowing the construction of the buildings. The 1979 Building Control Act bans the construction of buildings more than 23 metres high in a soi that is less than 10 metres wide. The requirement is meant to allow smooth traffic flow and access for emergency vehicles. The projects, owned by the same firm, Sansiri, are for a commercial complex, restaurants, car parks and a hotel. One has 18 floors and the other 24, making them higher than 23 metres. Mr Surakiat said he certified the soi was 10 metres wide in 2005 when he had just taken the post of district chief. His decision was based on a map that he said was made either during the reign of King Rama V or King Rama VI. After construction of the buildings began, he received a complaint about the soi width. He ordered the soi remeasured and found some sections were less than 10 metres wide. "There is no way out. If I take any course of action, one group would be unhappy," he said. Mr Surakiat said he asked the Land Department in June to measure the soi. He had not yet received any response. He said he was glad the case had gone to court so an investigation could begin. If the inquiry found that the construction violated the laws, building would have to be delayed. "I have not made any ill-gotten gains from this," he said. Mr Surakiat defended former governor Apirak Kosayodhin, saying he was not involved in the development projects. "The matter was handled by the district office and the Public Works Department only," he said. Governor candidate Chuwit Kamolvisit yesterday took reporters to measure the soi near the projects. He found a section to be only 5.70 metres wide, or 7.70 metres including the footpaths.

 

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