On September 18, representatives from 26 Klong Toey communities met together to prepare a proposal on the planned land development of their areas, to be presented to the government on World Habitat Day, 7 October. Currently, the government has given the people three choices – (1) move to a small flat in one of twelve 25-storey tower blocks, or (2) receive a one-off cash payment to move away, or (3) accept a small plot of land at Nongjok (which is far from the city). However, the poor people are calling for housing appropriate for their lives, because the proposed tower blocks are not suitable for their way of life. Also, the land that the government will provide is insufficient for 15,000 families. These plans cannot lead to a better (“smart”) life, as the government is touting. The community people believe a land-sharing arrangement with the land owner (Port Authority of Thailand) would be preferable, with 20% of the Port’s 23,000 rai of land made available for the people, while 80% would still be available for the government’s planned entertainment and shopping complexes.

 



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