Public housing project for 150 elderly people

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to construct the first phase of a housing estate for the elderly in Bangkok’s Klong Sam Wa district.

The Bung Sakae Ngam houses will be built on about 32 rai of donated land near Wareepirom Park on Pracha Ruam Chai 47 Road.

The construction, funded by the BMA and public donations, is being split into two phases, the first of which will begin construction later this year.

The project, which will house more than 150 people, is aimed at improving the tenants’ quality of life and is expected to be completed next year.

Taiwut Khankaew, director of the Department of Public Works, said its first job would be to pave the road surface and facilitate the job of construction workers afterwards.

Surrounding land will also be re-landscaped before construction work starts.

Apart from the elderly houses, the project will comprise a food centre, administrative building and occupational training centre.

There will be dykes and ponds in a water reserve, while the project also includes planting trees along fences, lighting around the entire housing area and a sanitary system.

Anchana Boonsuya, the district chief, said the project would be split into three clearly designated areas: a public health service centre, an administration area for tenants and residential buildings.

The entire project has been tailored around the basic needs of elderly people with two housing types.

Type A houses have two bedrooms, a living areas of 105 square metres and can accommodate eight people.

Type B houses will have seven big bedrooms, a floor area of 275 sq m and will accommodate up to 14 people.