BMA Set To Open Sanam Luang

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BMA set to open Sanam Luang

By The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday met to decide on management measures for Sanam Luang, which will reopen on April 28 following a Bt180 million renovation and landscaping project.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Theerachon Manomaipibul said the BMA Environment Office had been assigned to draft criteria for applications to use the park.

Related agencies will arrange manpower: initially there will be 60 BMA policing officials, 36 security guards and 10 police officers from Chana Songkram to man the area.

CCTV cameras will be installed in the park and nearby areas to keep order and prevent crimes.

A radio tower will be set up to broadcast warnings to people who break the law.

Installation of a transparent fence around Sanam Luang was also tabled yesterday, for which the city will request approval from the Koh Rattanakosin Committee. To tackle homelessness, the city has set up Ban Oon Im to provide shelter for 600 homeless people who have been moved from Sanam Luang to the Khlong Lot area.

BMA is also considering improving the Khlong Lot area to support street |vendors from Sanam Luang, Theerachon said.

-- The Nation 2011-03-11

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BMA to tightly secure Sanam Luang after reopening on 28 April

BANGKOK, 11 March 2011 (NNT) – Prior to the reopening of Sanam Luang on 28 April, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has laid down guidelines for managing the site more effectively and providing people in the area with utmost safety.

According to Deputy Bangkok Governor Teerachon Manomaipiboon, the Department of Environment has been assigned by the BMA to draw up terms and conditions for the use of Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, which has been closed for renovation since 1 July 2010 and is scheduled to reopen on 28 April 2011, in an effort to ensure orderliness.

Related personnel, tentatively including 60 municipal officials, 36 security guards and 10 police officers, will be dispatched to patrol the site and surrounding areas on a regular basis. CCTV cameras will be installed while security control towers and booths will be set up to prevent crimes and facilitate peace-keeping operations during protests.

As for the homeless population of more than 600 in the area, the BMA has tasked the Department of Social Development with providing homes for them while roadside vendors will also benefit from the walking street project in compliance with the Government’s Pracha Wiwat welfare policy.

-- NNT 2011-03-11