In 1973, Bon Kai, a large area of poor-quality housing in the heart of Bangkok, was demolished and replaced with large housing blocks, built by the National Housing Authority. The buildings represent the identity of the local people and the lives shaped in this place over the last 60 years. They have witnessed the transformation of the surrounding neighbourhood into a large luxury and commercial district. These blocks are now in need of renovation and risk demolition. If they are renovated, they should remain liveable so that the residents can stay there during the renovation. Any renovation should concern not only the architecture, but also address the social inequality that affects these buildings. We must avoid demolishing old buildings just to keep building new ones. In Thailand, famous old buildings are renovated, but the houses of working class people are demolished easily and instantly - and no one cares.
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