“Housing for All” to mark World Habitat Day

The day acknowledges initiatives that have made outstanding contributions in the field of provision of housing, as well as developing and improving human settlements and the quality of life for members of the public, in an effort to leave no one behind.

Every year in Thailand, the public sector network requests the government to reduce social inequalities. The network wants to emphasize the government's involvement in driving the housing sector so that basic development for the people would play a supporting role in the development of the community. Having access to adequate housing is considered a basic human right. 

 With regard to the development of housing for reducing the disparity of the people, the problem of community encroachment on public canals is recognized in the current Government’s policy. Today, there are about 23,500 household infiltrators, or about 94,000 persons, living along the nine major canal lines in Bangkok.

 The Government has initiated a housing development strategy under the 10-year residential development strategy (2016-2025). One of the ten-year residential developments has included residential development along the canal lines. 

 On October 12, the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization) is organizing the Housing for All event at Kor Sor Bor community, Moo 5, Phahonyothin Road, Sai Mai district in Bangkok. The event promotes inclusive housing and social services for low-income people, as well as improving quality of life.

 The Government has encouraged the residents to participate in the canal development effort by developing residential housing on the edge of the canal. Under the Pracharat housing project along the canal, there are 127 households at Kor Sor Bor community participating in this housing development.

 Apart from the housing development project, the CODI is also focusing on improving the environment and the quality of life for the elderly and disabled people.