This walk does not really have the right to be called a walk. After a quick zip along to Pom Mahakan fort on the Canal taxi we went to discover an old residential area that was purchased by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in the 90’s however the houses have only recently started to be cleared. The residents re fighting back against the clearance as they claim the extension to the parkland surrounding the fort is not wanted or needed. The area designated for clearance lies between a long section of old city wall and a canal. The wall will shield the park from view which, in my opinion, does not make it an ideal location for a park and it would be at the loss of an established community. The existing amenity space surrounding the fort is poorly maintained and if enhanced would, without any expansion, provide a better amenity for residents and visitors.
The community at Pom Mahakan have taken some laudable steps in trying to demonstrate to the BMA that they have a community worth saving. As you step through an opening in the old city wall interpretation boards greet you and inhabitants say hello. The boards describe buildings of note and an annotated map with places of interest clearly marked help you feel like you are being encouraged to explore rather than rudely nosing through someone’s back yard. In a country that has a somewhat relaxed approach to heritage I really enjoyed viewing some living heritage in this way and think it is a community led approach that could successfully be applied elsewhere. The BMA sadly doesn’t agree so I’m glad we got to visit before it’s too late.
Full set of images on Flickr
