Pictures courtesy of MGR

Residents of a housing estate in Sai Mai district, Bangkok, have begun moving away after a woman allegedly seized a public turning area for private use while her adult son repeatedly caused violent disturbances, creating fear and disruption in the community. The situation, reported on 21 January 2026, has had severe impacts on neighbours’ safety, mental health and daily life, with some residents describing their experience as “living in hell”.

The house at the centre of the complaints is a two-storey townhouse located in Soi Phahonyothin 52, Khlong Thanon subdistrict, Sai Mai district. According to local residents, the property was extended into a public turning point within the housing estate, which is legally designated as shared land for communal use. The area was reportedly occupied as private space despite having no side land attached to the house.

Investigations found that the estate contains around eight turning points, many of which have also been encroached upon by residents for private parking, fenced gardens or personal storage. Under Thailand’s Land Allocation Act, estate roads and turning areas are classified as servitude land and cannot legally be used in ways that reduce shared access. Violations may result in penalties under estate regulations, criminal nuisance charges, or civil action.

Legal provisions cited include possible fines, imprisonment of up to one month, or both, for causing public nuisance. Civil remedies allow the housing estate management or any affected resident to seek a court order to stop the encroachment, with potential arrest warrants if court orders are ignored. Additional offences may apply under the Building Control Act for unauthorised construction, carrying penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment or fines of up to 60,000 baht, plus daily fines.

Beyond the land dispute, neighbours reported ongoing disturbances involving the woman’s son, who allegedly became violent inside the house, repeatedly smashing walls and creating loud noises described as resembling explosions. These incidents reportedly affected nearby structures and caused prolonged stress among residents. As a result, some neighbours chose to relocate out of fear for their personal safety and property.

The woman herself was accused of disruptive behaviour, including dumping rubbish outside neighbours’ homes, placing plant pots and stones on estate roads and entering other residents’ houses without permission. One incident allegedly caused a motorcycle to skid and crash after stones were placed on the road. Residents said repeated complaints failed to resolve the issues.

Manager online reported that authorities and estate management are expected to pursue legal enforcement to reclaim public land and address safety concerns. Further action may depend on formal complaints, inspections and court proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• A Bangkok housing estate faces disruption after public land was allegedly seized for private use.

• Violent behaviour and repeated disturbances have led some residents to move away.

• Multiple legal penalties may apply under criminal, civil and building control laws.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-24

 

 

Our temagaan is the same, to the points where 70% of the residents are refusing to pay annual fees, including us.