Bangkok: Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, recently chaired a pivotal meeting aimed at expediting the resolution of housing issues for communities residing on land owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The meeting was the inaugural session of the Committee for Supervising and Monitoring the Resolution of Housing Problems on SRT Land, tagged as Meeting No. 1/2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat emphasized the critical nature of the housing issue, highlighting its impact on the quality of life and housing security of tens of thousands of households across the nation. He stated that addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that considers legal frameworks, appropriate land use, and the hardships faced by affected communities. The goal is to achieve a fair solution by listening to all parties involved.
The meeting reviewed the progress on resolutions from a previous meeting held on June 4, 2026, including the renewal of 24 land lease contracts with the SRT. Two contracts have already been renewed, while 22 are in the process of renewal. Additionally, 10 land lease contracts are being converted from SRT Asset Co., Ltd. to the SRT, ensuring long-term land lease security for the public. The agenda also covered discussions on adjusting land rental rates, resolving issues related to land handover to communities, obtaining permits for housing projects, and addressing tax and rental payment problems, aiming for comprehensive and fair solutions.
To further the structural solutions, the committee decided to form subcommittees tasked with conducting on-site investigations, verifying facts, and coordinating with relevant agencies. These subcommittees will listen to public opinions and recommend timely solutions for each affected area.
The meeting also explored ways to continue implementing the Cabinet's resolution from February 1, 2022, regarding housing issues for communities on SRT land. This policy impacts over 300 communities, equating to more than 27,000 households across 35 provinces. Collaborative consultations with the public, the Community Organization Development Institute (Public Organization), and related agencies are expected to yield clear operational guidelines, which will be presented to the SRT Board for consideration.
Mr. Pipat reiterated the importance of addressing housing problems in tandem with the country's infrastructure development. He assured that the Ministry of Transport is prepared to mediate and listen to all parties, accelerating problem resolution to achieve concrete results within the legal framework. The overarching aim is to improve the quality of life for affected communities sustainably.