The concerns are based on an inspection by Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) that found more than half of the estate's 87 blocks were dilapidated and in a dangerous condition.

The AIT inspection, from Dec 2002 to April 2003, found that the estate's buildings 1-8 were 40 years old, buildings 9-56 were 35 years old, and buildings 57-64 were 30 years old. It marked blocks 1 to 8 and 21-32 as "red zones".

The condition of the estate was discussed by the National Safety Council yesterday after the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security aired concerns in Cabinet recently.

Caretaker Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Wantana ordered a subcommittee to inspect the estate's buildings and find solutions within seven days - while keeping human safety as top priority.

The National Housing Authority (NHA), which built the estate for low-income groups, would keep residents informed of details, such as when they would be asked to vacate, alternative accommodation, the possibility of compensation, and how much this would be, Kongsak said.

"The average life span of a building is 30 years, while these buildings are 30-40 years old. We don't know when they will collapse, especially those marked as red zones," he said.

The minister was confident that residents, considering their life and safety, would agree to move out if officials requested.

PM's Office Permanent Secretary Peeraphan Prempooti suggested the NHA discuss raising funds, possibly through development projects, with the Treasury Department's Dhanarak Asset Development Co Ltd, which owns the land the estate stands on.

Most officials at the meeting favoured having the residents move out of the "at risk" buildings.

Wattana Khamchoo

The Nation