Saving Roots & Routes: The Hua Ta Khe Community Regeneration Project
Project Team
Leader: Siwarat Pattanasri (AIRI Fellow)
Members: Rattikarn Khumbud, Umbha Bunyaket, Nattapon Junteenok, Christopher Van Deita (AIRI Associate Fellow)
Background and Introduction
The Hua Ta Khe community is at a critical stage in its transformation. State and university-led rejuvenation efforts lack long-term sustainability and continuity. The community faces a disconnect, marked by a decline in traditional agriculture and abandoned state buildings. Artistic initiatives have not provided lasting solutions, and issues like neglected public routes and pollution threaten the local health and environment.
Key objectives of this project include sustaining traditional agriculture with low-carbon practices, energizing the local economy through eco-cultural initiatives like an “Outdoor Museum of Culture and Environment”, and strengthening infrastructure for safety, aesthetics, and accessibility. These efforts involve revitalizing housing, promoting accessible and eco-friendly travel routes, and improving public pathways and waterways.
Project Site
The Luang Phor Taa-Tha Liam community, located in Lat Krabang district, Bangkok on the north bank of the Pravet Burirom canal (man-made), also known as the Hua Ta Khe community
Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables
Project Actions:
- Agricultural revitalization and smart farming: Reintroduce traditional farming in neglected areas, like small rice paddies, and implement smart farming. Focus on planting regional specialties, including the red lotus for local products.
- Eco-cultural tourism and economic promotion: Develop energy-efficient tourism paths from Hua Takhe Railway Station, emphasizing walking and showcasing local culture to bridge urban-rural gaps and reduce carbon emissions.
- Infrastructure and environmental enhancement: Upgrade canal infrastructure with asbestos cement pipes, supporting plant growth and local art. Improve water quality and beautify landscapes in canal zones, complemented by local herb and vegetable planting.
Project Deliverables:
- Rural revival and eco-tourism: Modernize abandoned areas for eco-friendly agriculture, attracting tourists and preserving local traditions.
- Infrastructure development and greenery: Create multifunctional dams and organic gardens to improve canal management and aesthetics.
- Skill-based training and community report: Provide educational programs in agriculture and arts for local students and produce a comprehensive community development report focusing on sustainable practices and creative tourism.