The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is launching a housing project to help the homeless and the urban poor in the city. The project is part of its activities on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's sixth-cycle (72nd) birthday anniversary, 28 July 2024.

Under this project, the BMA will develop the old office of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority into a public space to tackle social problems. The old office is located at the Maen Si Intersection in Pom Prap Sattru Phai District.

The area will be divided into two parts. The first part comprises a three-story building to be used as a center to screen and assist the homeless. It will also be developed as temporary housing for people who are homeless.

This temporary housing, known as “Ban Im Chai,” will provide services around the clock. The homeless need to check in on a daily basis and will be allowed to stay there free of charge. The housing can accommodate up to 200 persons. There will be a multi-purpose area for them to conduct various activities under the principles of respect for human rights and human dignity.

The second part consists of a six-story building, with 80 rooms. This building will be developed as temporary accommodation for first-jobbers, low-income earners, and the urban poor, in accordance with the “housing stock” policy, offering low-cost rooms for rent.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, together with BMA executives, on 15 June 2024 joined “big cleaning day” activities at the old office of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority at the Maen Si Intersection, in honor of His Majesty the King for the “Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 28th July 2024."

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has given priority to upgrading the people’s quality of life. He is well aware that the mobilization of efforts to improve their lives will help create a healthy community and society and bring about peace and happiness.