"The houses in this video have been constructed for Pracha Ruamjai, a neighborhood along Prem Prachakorn Canal, across from Wat Samian Nari on Thetsaban Songkhro Road. The land along the canal had once been encroached by a slum, with dwellings present for 30-40 years. Over the years, there had been multiple efforts to improve the slum, but there was no tangible success. This project stands as a testament to the collective effort put in by everyone and was completed in a short amount of time. (The transition from demolition to occupancy was accomplished within a year.)

This project is part of a plan to bring Prem Prachakorn Canal back to its original, pristine state—clear, navigable, with proper drainage—and turn it into a future tourist attraction. This 9-year long-term plan, which was formulated by multiple agencies in a cooperative brainstorming session in 2014, has finally been put into action since 2019. Developing the plan was a lengthy process, as a number of agencies had to be consulted and laws had to be amended to make it feasible.

Prem Prachakorn Canal is approximately 50 km long. Branching off from Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, the canal stretches through Bangkok, reaching into Pathum Thani, connecting to Rangsit Canal, and eventually flowing into the Chao Phraya in Ayutthaya. There has been considerable encroachment on the land along the canal from either side. From Wat Samian Nari to Rangsit Canal, a total of 17 km, there are more than 5,300 houses encroaching on the land, which belong to more than 6,000 households. To restore the canal, "the issue concerning the inhabitants" must be addressed first.

The houses built for the neighborhood don't come without cost. Instead, they require a long-term installment. The people had to establish a "cooperative" to collect payments and make contracts with the Treasury Department. They have to pay for the house, which costs around 400,000-500,000 Baht. The payment includes the land rental fee and the common-space fee in installments. The Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) is in charge of designing and managing the neighborhood. This project will also be joined by volunteer military personnel from the Civil Affair Operation, the 1st Cavalry Regiment, King's Guard, who have been lending the neighborhood a helping hand for many years now.

The houses are 2 stories tall and measure 4x7 m and 5x6 m. Inside, there's an empty space with 1 bathroom. The owners had to section off the rooms themselves. There are also a few special single-story houses that measure 4x7 m for those who cannot afford to pay the standard rent. Lastly, there are 2-story houses that measure 6x7 m for those who have the right to own 2 houses, which were combined into one.

For a standard home, a 20-year installment plan is offered with a monthly payment of 2,800 Baht.

The installment plan is needed for the project to meet its completion date. I’ve experienced something truly eye-opening, which is the seriousness and the determination given by all of the associated departments. It’s unbelievable that Thai officials can make such a project happen. If you get to experience this project yourself, I believe that your perspectives toward Thai officials will change, more or less.

Every issue is readily and nicely resolved since the authorities and the locals are taking this initiative seriously and collaboratively. These are positive factors that should and can be applied when it comes to future housing projects.
I would like to thank all of the locals for happily welcoming me and my crew whenever I pay a visit. Thank you to all of the military authorities who have been taking care of the locals long before the project was given a green light. Thank you to The Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) authorities, Channarong Muenpan (Chief District of Chatuchak, District 3), Komkrit Thiamtewan (Engineer), Piyakarn Wongyai (Architect), Chutimon Chongrak (Civil Affair Operation), and all of the agencies for making this project happen… You truly make us feel that there’s still light at the end of the tunnel, leading us to a better future.

Thank you."