Latest news with #ChadchartSittipunt
Bangkok Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
BMA chief voices train fare compensation concerns
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has urged the government to clarify compensation terms for the 20-baht electric train fare policy, warning unclear details could expose the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to potential legal risks. Mr Chadchart expressed support for the government's second phase of the 20-baht maximum fare policy for electric trains across the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), saying that this initiative will help ease financial burdens on commuters. However, he noted that the current concession agreements with private train operators involve average fares of around 34 baht per passenger. With roughly 700,000 passengers, a figure likely to increase, the concessionaires could face a substantial revenue loss as the Ministry of Transport's compensation estimate appears low. The BMA has also hired private firms to operate some train lines at an annual cost of around eight billion baht while collecting only about two billion baht in fare revenue. Mr Chadchart said the compensation must also be fair in this case as well. "What we're a little bit worried about is the contracts between the private concessionaires and the BMA. Clear discussions are needed because if they can't agree on a certain compensation, the BMA could be sued," Mr Chadchart said. Meanwhile, Gp Capt Anudith Nakornthap, the Kla Tham Party's strategic chairman, defended the policy against critics who argue it is unfair to taxpayers outside the capital. Gp Capt Anudith said that the 20-baht fare benefits all Thais, not just Bangkok residents, as anyone from across the country who works or visits the capital will also be able to enjoy lower fares. He said that Bangkok contributes nearly 48.3% of national tax revenue -- far more than other regions -- demonstrating the city's critical role in national financing. He warned against a view that public spending in Bangkok is designed to be regionally biased. "This isn't about favouring just Bangkok," he concluded. "It's about reducing transport costs for everyone, which is a way to stimulate the economy by increasing people's purchasing power."
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Waste sorting a money saver
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is inviting city residents to join its new waste-separation campaign, "This House Doesn't Mix Waste", which offers discounts on trash-collecting fees for sorting waste properly. Registration begins on Aug 1 ahead of the official rollout in October. The initiative includes private sector collaboration and offers exclusive privileges for participants. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt officially announced the 80-day countdown on Tuesday for the implementation of a new waste-collection-fee system. Residents can register either as individuals and in groups. Individual registrations are reserved for houses or properties that produce no more than 20 litres of waste per day. Eligible residences include single-family homes, housing estates, and condominiums or flats without juristic persons. Owners or tenants can register via the BKK Waste Pay Pay mobile application or website. The group option is open to residents in housing estates, condominium buildings with juristic persons, and communities with juristic persons. Again, each unit in the group must respect the same daily waste threshold to qualify. Under the programme guidelines, each participating group must provide a centralised waste-collection area divided into four categories: food waste, recyclables, hazardous waste, and general waste. The registration process requires the submission of documentation detailing the waste separation setup and collection procedures. In cases where a housing estate or community does not have a designated waste-separation area or chooses not to register as a group, individual households or units within that community are still eligible to register independently through the same platform. For those without smartphones, registration can be completed with officials who visit homes or at the Sanitation and Public Parks Division of local district offices. Early registration has been available since Jan 14. Participants will receive notifications via the app on Aug 1 asking them to upload photos showing proper separation into the four waste categories before the new fee structure takes effect. As of July 14, a total of 112,601 households had registered. They will receive a sticker identifying them as a participating "non-mixed waste" household, valid for one year. They are also given a green bag for collecting food waste, and a monthly fee reduction from 60 baht to 20 baht, with random checks conducted to verify compliance. Residents must be ready to be notified and submit new evidence following a complaint. Failure to comply will result in a six-month suspension of the discount benefit, after which participants can reapply for validation. Once registered and pinned on the app's map, waste-collection teams can accurately identify collection points, improving service quality.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Sukhumvit Road gets a glow-up
Bangkok never stops changing and for the better. Just last week, people living along the Saen Saep canal were all smiles after hearing that their walkway is to get a major upgrade. And now, it's Sukhumvit's turn to grin. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has just launched its 'Sukhumvit Model', a new initiative focused on improving safety, public order and overall livability in the capital's busiest urban Road is the central hub for commerce, living and entertainment. Densely packed with condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife, the stretch between Soi 1 and Soi 63 is especially popular among expats and affluent locals. But with its popularity comes a set of ongoing years, the area has struggled with recurring problems such as illegal cannabis sales, drug-related activity, homelessness, unauthorised street vending and unlicensed taxis. Other headaches, including noise pollution from tuk-tuks, parking violations, poor street lighting, broken sidewalks, limited CCTV coverage and tangled overhead cables – have also fix this issue, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt led a large-scale inspection on July 10. The route covered over five kilometres from Sukhumvit Soi 39 to Soi 3 in Watthana District and from the Asoke Intersection through Sois 4-24 in Khlong Toei District. This development is designed to tackle a broad range of troubles that affect both residents and tourists, from everyday safety to long-term urban planning. By addressing these difficulties head-on, the BMA aims to make a city that's not only more secure but also more enjoyable and inclusive for in this corridor are intended to serve as a pilot for similar upgrades across other parts of the city. If the project proves successful, more neighbourhoods could be next in line for a facelift. So, which part of the Big Mango do you think will be next?
Time Out
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Sukhumvit Road gets glow-up
Bangkok never stops changing and for the better. Just last week, people living along the Saen Saep canal were all smiles after hearing that their walkway is to get a major upgrade. And now, it's Sukhumvit's turn to grin. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has just launched its 'Sukhumvit Model', a new initiative focused on improving safety, public order and overall livability in the capital's busiest urban Road is the central hub for commerce, living and entertainment. Densely packed with condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife, the stretch between Soi 1 and Soi 63 is especially popular among expats and affluent locals. But with its popularity comes a set of ongoing years, the area has struggled with recurring problems such as illegal cannabis sales, drug-related activity, homelessness, unauthorised street vending and unlicensed taxis. Other headaches, including noise pollution from tuk-tuks, parking violations, poor street lighting, broken sidewalks, limited CCTV coverage and tangled overhead cables – have also fix this issue, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt led a large-scale inspection on July 10. The route covered over five kilometres from Sukhumvit Soi 39 to Soi 3 in Watthana District and from the Asoke Intersection through Sois 4-24 in Khlong Toei District. This development is designed to tackle a broad range of troubles that affect both residents and tourists, from everyday safety to long-term urban planning. By addressing these difficulties head-on, the BMA aims to make a city that's not only more secure but also more enjoyable and inclusive for in this corridor are intended to serve as a pilot for similar upgrades across other parts of the city. If the project proves successful, more neighbourhoods could be next in line for a facelift. So, which part of the Big Mango do you think will be next?
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Bangkok Post
'Sukhumvit model' to spearhead Bangkok changes
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out its "Sukhumvit Model", an initiative aimed at improving safety, public order and the overall quality of life along Sukhumvit Road. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt led an inspection of the area on Thursday night, accompanied by deputy governor Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich and other senior officials. The inspection route stretched from Sukhumvit Soi 39 to Soi 3 in Watthana district, including the Asoke Intersection, to sois 4–24 in Klong Toey district, more than five kilometres in total. The initiative targets a broad range of urban challenges affecting both residents and tourists. Governor Chadchart identified recurring issues such as illegal cannabis sales, drug trafficking, homelessness, unauthorised street vending and unlicensed taxis. Others were loud noise from tuk-tuks, parking violations, poor street lighting, limited CCTV coverage, broken sidewalks and unsightly overhead communication cables. "These are not isolated issues -- they reflect on the city's image and affect everyday life. If we can resolve them here, Sukhumvit can serve as a blueprint for the rest of Bangkok," he said. Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat said the move follows Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai's instructions on ensuring residents' safety and wellbeing and restoring tourist confidence. The BMA is working with at least eight core agencies, including the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Department of Land Transport (DLT), on the scheme. "The ultimate goal is to make Bangkok a safe, liveable city, free from illegal activities, where residents feel secure and tourists can enjoy their stay with peace of mind," Ms Theerarat said.
