The construction of a new six-lane road along the banks of the Chao Phraya River will make riverside neighbourhoods unliveable, locals say.
Residents in Kiao Khai Kha community in Sam Sen district yesterday said they weren't surprised the plan had been revived by the Transport Ministry, but were extremely concerned by the looming threat of eviction.
Community leader Boonsom Somboon, 56, said locals had feared being evicted by authorities since the major floods of 2011.
In the past three years, roof-height flood levees have been built along the banks of the river, disconnecting the community from the waterway.
Mr Boonsom said residents would be willing to leave only if they were offered a new location to move to.
There are currently about 200 people from 57 families living in Kiao Khai Kha, one of many such communities which line the Chao Phraya River.
Mr Boonsom admitted the residents were encroaching on the riverfront, but said the community is home to many people who had grown up in the area.
"We've developed our culture here," he said.
Resident Jureerat Siriboonrawd, 59, said most of the stilt houses in the area were used only for residential rather than commercial purposes.
Mr Boonsom also said the planned road, whether it is built on reclaimed land or on existing riverside land, would only end up as another blight on the landscape.
Many commercial entities, including hotels and restaurants, market themselves based on their river views.
"Our biggest business advantage is being able to offer diners a stunning view of the bridge and river," said Yonnapat Lalitnuntapun, 43, manager of the famed Kin Lom Chom Saphan restaurant by Rama VIII bridge.
"It's something that city people and tourists crave."
Ms Yonnapat was certain that other business operators along the river would not appreciate a major road blocking their views. Many preferred the idea of a riverside walkway instead.
The ministry is currently seeking the junta's approval for a 40-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for the Chao Phraya road project.