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The idea was raised at the annual meeting of the National Economic and Social Development Board.

"I have a plan to replace the slums with public parks," Samak said during a speech about the future of the country.

He said the plan, if implemented, would turn Bangkok into a more beautiful, more pleasanttolivein city.

However, deputy Bangkok governor Puttipong Punnakan said the plan sounded unrealisable.

"The plan requires a huge budget and concerns many parties," he said, "The slum residents' willingness is key here. It would be unfair to evict them."

Puttipong added that the authorities must also think about the slum residents' new homes, livelihoods, schools and access to transportation systems when planning such a relocation.