The Office of the Ombudsman received the complaint from residents of a village in Nongkhaem District, Bangkok, alleged that the Nongkhaem District Office has failed to provide essential safety measures, including the pedestrian crossing, the slowdown signs, and the fire hydrant in front of their village. This omission had caused inconvenience and posed risks to the lives and property of local residents in the area.

Upon receiving the complaint during an on-site proactive public relations campaign of the Office of the Ombudsman conducted in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at Nongkhaem District, the Office of the Ombudsman requested clarification of facts and relevant documents and evidences for consideration from the Nongkhaem District Office

The investigation revealed that the area in front of the village is a main road with heavy traffic, regularly used by the residents for transportation. However, the absence of pedestrian crossing, slowdown signs, a fire hydrant, and a proper fire protection system posed a safety risk to the local residents and communities.

In response, the Office of the Ombudsman coordinated with the relevant agencies to address these issues. The Nongkhaem District Office acknowledged the concerns and agreed to take the following actions:

1. Installation of the pedestrian crossings and slowdown signs: The BMA’s Traffic and Transportation Department would carry out the inspection to consider the suitability and design the installation.
2. Placement of a fire hydrant: The relevant agencies approved the fire hydrant installation of the fire hydrant (red hydrant) at a suitable location.

Currently, the BMA’s Traffic and Transportation Department has installed the pedestrian crossing and slowdown signs in front of the mentioned village in Nongkhaem District, Bangkok. The Traffic and Transportation Department has also inspected the streetlight poles in the area. The installation of the fire hydrant is under consideration by the relevant agencies, with proceedings aligned with their duties and powers. The Office of the Ombudsman will continue to monitor the process to ensure the effective solutions in the best interest of the public. Any progress will be communicated to the complainant and the public accordingly.

Influenced by this case, the Office of the Ombudsman has recommended that the relevant agencies consider and take further actions as follows:

1. Expedite inspections and installations of security facilities in a timely manner.
2. Carry out investigation and assessments of the safety needs in other communities to develop comprehensive development plan.
3. Encourage public participation in providing suggestions and monitoring the actions of the government agencies.