Sanam Luang renovation kicks off today

BANGKOK, 1 February 2010 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has sent municipal officials to Sanam Luang to clear vehicles out of the area, in preparations for the renovation that starts today.

The renovation is to prepare Sanam Luang as a royal celebration ground for His Majesty the King’s 83rd birthday anniversary on 5 December 2010. The clearing of vehicles started since last night at 21.00 hrs.

Despite renovations, there are still food vendors, massage services, and mat vendors operating in the area. Homeless people still use Saman Luang to sleep as well. Negotiations with those using the place took time, the BMA said.

It is reported that municipal officials have began to capture pigeons in the area, causing displeasure to pigeon food venders there. The pigeons that captured will be sent to the army’s Signal Department in Ratchaburi province.

The homeless people on the other hand will be relocated to homeless shelters built on two land plots, provided by a joint collaboration between the BMA, the Crown Property Bureau, and the Chaipattana Foundation.

The 186-million-THB renovation which uses a budget from the economic stimulus Strong Thailand Scheme will take 300 days to complete or by 30 November 2010.