Bma Scales Down Plan For Address Changes

BMA scales down plan for address changes

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to scale down its plans to change the addresses of homes and offices in 35 of its 50 districts.

“We’re planning to change addresses in only 25 districts, and we expect the process to be completed within three years,” deputy Bangkok governor Panich Vikitsret said yesterday.

As plans now stand, more than a million houses and office buildings will receive new addresses.

Governor Apirak Kosayodhin suspended the wide-ranging address-change plan last month and ordered a review after numerous residents protested that changes to their addresses would lead to unnecessary confusion and expense.

Panich, who has overseen the review, argued yesterday that changes to addresses in 25 outlying districts of the capital were necessary because Bangkok no longer had kamnans and village heads who were entitled to issue new addresses for residents based on the old Moo system.

“Besides, the Moo system is confusing and it’s difficult to locate a place having Moo as an indicator,” Panich said.

The addresses of Bangkok households in the designated districts will be systematically rearranged based on their correlation to neighbouring roads and sois.

Addresses will be changed in Lat Phrao, Bang Kapi, Khan Na Yao, Wang Thong Lang, Bueng Kum, Saphan Sung, Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Prawet, Min Buri, Tawee Wattana, Taling Chan, Bang Khae, Nong Khaem, Bang Khunthien, Bang Bon, Thung Khru, Phasi Charoen, Chom Thong, Rat Burana, Bang Khen, Lak Si, Don Muang and Sai Mai districts. “We have allowed addresses in 10 other districts to remain unchanged because numerous companies located there never adopted the Moo system,” the deputy governor said.

These 10 districts are Sathon, Bang Rak, Chatuchak, Bang Sue, Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, Bang Kho Laem, Bang Na, Bang Yai and Thon Buri.

Panich added that the BMA would soon inform all relevant district offices about the details of the changes and Governor Apirak would visit residents to explain to the need for address changes.

--The Nation 2005-10-13