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Published on November 10, 2007

Wornwimon Chairat, a resident of Wat Kate community and treasurer of the Urban Development Institute Found-ation, said the new plan had good points such as building-height limits and bans against high-rises near temples.

However, Wat Kate's inclusion in the "red" zone for high-density commerce and construction would threaten the area's many historical treasures, she said.

"Wat Kate is one of the historic communities which is still alive. We should preserve it as cultural heritage."

The Public Works and Town and Country Planning Depart-ment should reconsider the plan by encouraging more residents' opinions, she added.

Last Saturday, about 200 members of the Social Re-search Institute at Chiang Mai University, the foundation, and environmental, art and culture organisations together with residents from Wat Kate, Fa Harm and Wat U-Mong communities met to discuss the new city plan.

Mayor Deuntemduang Na-Chiengmai said the plan was crucial. Without guidelines for future growth, development of the city would lack direction.

To reach a resolution, another public forum will be held today at Panthakit building.

Jirat Prasertsup

 Citylife

Chiang Mai