The Democrat Party spokesperson urges the government to reconsider the Khlong Toei Entertainment Complex project, presenting five points asking to prioritize the needs of local residents over business interests.
On 21 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, posted a message addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn regarding the policy to build an Entertainment Complex in Khlong Toei. He questioned, before evicting local residents to create this, he wanted to ask:
1. There is already vacant land. The Port Authority has a large amount of unused land that can be developed immediately without touching residential areas. Why does the government not start development there but instead chooses to displace established communities?
2. Do not evict the poor for the wealthy. The critical issue in Bangkok today is the lack of housing for low-income people, not a shortage of space for high purchasing power. Evicting communities to the outskirts worsens inequality, forcing the poor to find new homes or leaving many without affordable housing.
3. If developing Port Authority land, it should serve the public good. Returned land should become parks, affordable housing, or job-creating areas—not handed over to commercial developers.
4. The Entertainment Complex does not solve structural problems. It creates short-term construction jobs, but long-term benefits go to large operators. It does not address the country's long-term issues, and if gambling facilities are included, the party firmly opposes all forms.
5. Consider the plight of workers relying on the port. Port Authority staff, cargo handlers, shipping lines, and related operators will lose income if the port moves. If relocation proceeds, measures must ensure replacement jobs, continuous employment, income compensation during transition, and retraining—not abandoning these workers to fend for themselves.
Current development priorities for Bangkok must focus on improving residents' quality of life—not seeking auspicious land according to feng shui “dragon belly” principles to benefit capitalists.
“I urge the Deputy Prime Minister to think more about the 'belly of the people' than the 'dragon’s belly,' and if development is considered in this way, I believe it will yield benefits for all Bangkok residents.” The Democrat Party spokesperson concluded.