Abstract:
The NHAs Laksi Community Housing Project was initiated to develop housing in accordance with the National Housing Plan for 1988-1991 for low to high middle income residents of Bangkok. 13 5-story buildings were then constructed with a total of 2,420 units. A total of approximately 12,100 persons now reside here on an area of around 53 rai, which has been divided with about 30% allocated to housing 68% common facilities including central park, roads and fire water pump station and the remaining approximate 2% for convenience facilities. This research studies the current conditions and problems in management of the common facilities and will recommend management methods for the common facilities belonging to the NHA Laksi Community Housing Project. The research methods employed include in site surveys and interviews with involved persons since the establishment of the project up to the present. Research results showed that all buildings have been registered as juristic condominiums and there is management of all common faculties by a community board of directors. Management responsibilities are divided into relations, building work and other work. As far as expenditures, currently, it is not possible to collect large sum from residents to solve problems, and the amount that can be collected for common facilities management is insufficient. Other problems encountered were that the board members do not have enough knowledge about how to manage common facilities nor about the laws governing this. Furthermore their responsibilities are unclear or not in line with the functions they must perform. The budgets are also insufficient to hire security personnel. They also do not have a work venue for themselves. The central park is not used property, and there is no watering system for it. Furthermore, the majority of residents dont fully understand their roles and responsibilities living in a community of this nature leading to problems with trash disposal and parking. This study found that the limits in management are much bigger than the current management structure actually allows. Areas they are especially restricted include administration and finance and community activities and development. It has also been found that earnings are not high to cover management costs. It is necessary to find better ways to use the common facilities to increase earnings to have the necessary funds to keep it up. It was also found that reported spending was no the same as actual spending. Many areas were to maintained, or supervised, properly of at all. Budgets were also insufficient for different necessities such as security personnel, cleaning and maintenance. The community board members also lacked sufficient knowledge and vision, and they did not assign tasks properly. To alleviate these problems, it is recommended that 1) a training program on community living and common facilities management be organized for the building boards and community board. 2) Additional legislation should be enacted to clarify the roles of community boards and their responsibilities including the collection and management of community finances. 3) More advantageous or profitable uses should be found for common facilities that could provide revenue to better maintain it. 4) A venue or office should be established for the community board to improve their operational efficiency.