:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies
http://TuEngr.com
ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8
FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE
Vol.17(2) (2026) |
An Analysis of Neighborhood Participation in High-Rise Construction in Thailand
Kritsada Anantakarn (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus, Bangkok, THAILAND),
Bhattraradej B. Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Rangsit, Pathumtani, THAILAND).
Discipline: Multidisciplinary (Construction Management, Public Policy, Construction Law & Regulation).
doi: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.11
Keywords: Neighborhood participation; Bangkok; building regulations; Neighborhood opposition; High-rise construction; Housing rights; Environmental Impact Assessment; Community opposition; Public hearing; Consumer protection; Urban development; EIA reform; Neighborhood engagement; Consumer monitoring.
AbstractThis paper studies the mechanisms, obstacles, and results of community involvement in high-rise construction in Bangkok, Thailand. The work is based on legal case studies, consumer protection reviews from 2020 to 2026. Also, the work uses regulatory changes, and architectural analyses. It looks into how the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, public hearing requirements, building code enforcement, and community organizing affect the ability of nearby residents to influence high-rise developments. This impacts their living environment. The analysis shows a significant imbalance. Although the legal framework requires public participation for projects that exceed certain limits, developers often take advantage of procedural uncertainties, incomplete information. Developers also use selective interpretations of regulations regarding street width and floor area ratios to push forward construction despite clear community opposition. Notable case is the lengthy A-Ruamrudee demolition saga. The 2025 Thailand Consumers Council investigation found thirteen high-rises illegally converting emergency access zones. The law firm supported success in revoking. A Sathorn's EIA approval illustrates that effective neighborhood resistance usually demands prolonged legal efforts. It often lasting a decade or more, and typically occurs only after construction has begun. The paper also highlights positive architectural strategies that incorporate community input into design, referencing student-led social housing initiatives. A complete framework for meaningful participation, differentiating between formal compliance (public hearings, EIA submissions) and genuine engagement (iterative design collaboration, independent technical support, and transparent impact mitigation).Paper ID: 17A2D
Cite this article:
Anantakarn, K., Witchayangkoon, B.B. (2026). An Analysis of Neighborhood Participation in High-Rise Construction in Thailand. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 17(2), 17A2D, 1-15. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.11
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Other issues:
Vol.16(4)(2025)
Vol.16(3)(2025)
Vol.17(3)(2026)
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