Bangkok is celebrating its 236th anniversary this week -- with a sad irony. Just as the government kicked off celebratory activities with a fanfare on Saturday, the city is losing its old Mahakan Fort community -- one of its oldest communities known for its wooden houses that represent the architecture of the early Rattanakosin era in the late 18th century.
Community members, with support from academics, civic and rights groups, in their long fight against an eviction order that stretched over 26 years, finally threw in the towel. All were to leave the area where they have lived together for generations yesterday in accordance with the BMA order while massive bulldozing work got under way.
Ploenpote Atthakor is editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.
