The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has caused significant economic damage, leading to job losses and reduced incomes. Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha has called for government agencies to urgently assist the public in light of the widespread economic and social impacts of the pandemic. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Juti Krairerk, has therefore assigned the National Housing Authority to address these issues by taking back rental buildings from the private sector for management, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on residents, especially low-income and vulnerable groups.

 

          Minister Juti Krairerk stated that the goal of reclaiming rental buildings from the private sector is to help citizens reduce their financial burdens by providing housing at lower rental prices. At the same time, the aim is to improve the quality of life for citizens in terms of physical environment, safety, and economic stability, while also providing immediate assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

            When the National Housing Authority manages the rental buildings, it will benefit the nation by ensuring housing stability and addressing poverty, reducing inequality for low-income and vulnerable groups. Importantly, it will help elevate the quality of life in line with the national strategy (2021-2037).

            Mr. Thaveepong Vichaidit, Governor of the National Housing Authority mentioned that the National Housing Authority aims to reclaim rental buildings from private companies under 60 contracts, totaling 32,632 units, divided into 35 contracts from large companies (29,966 units) and 25 contracts from small companies (2,666 units). In the initial phase, two pilot projects were launched: the Nawamin Community Housing Project and the O-Ngern Community Housing Project. Currently, 49 contracts have been reclaimed from the private sector, with plans to complete all contracts by December 31, 2022.

           Residents in the rental buildings managed by the National Housing Authority will experience reduced financial burdens, with rents decreasing by 222-1,500 baht per month, averaging 10-40%, and lower electricity costs. This is because the billing will be handled directly by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (currently, private companies collect electricity fees).

             Water bills will also be lower as the National Housing Authority has a direct contract with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (private companies charge 16-30 baht per unit per month, while the National Housing Authority charges 13-15 baht per unit per month). Additionally, there will be no garbage collection fees, as the National Housing Authority provides this service for free. Residents who sign contracts directly with the National Housing Authority will save at least 497 baht per month.

          At the same time, residents will enjoy an improved quality of life due to better environmental conditions, including increased green spaces, parks, playgrounds, and public utilities. There will also be community innovation projects aimed at creating jobs and developing the community, such as hiring local residents for roles like housekeepers, security guards, administrative staff, or technicians, fostering a sense of belonging and providing stable income to support their families.

            Furthermore, services will be provided to the public through the community's OA Line, serving as a communication channel between the National Housing Authority and residents. Residents can ask questions or provide suggestions via Line and can apply for jobs within their community through this platform. Additionally, contract management and debt follow-up services will be available through a telephone service (Telesales), adapting to social distancing measures and work-from-home policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renters can make payments through five different channels:

1. Community housing office in the residential area
2. Direct debit from bank accounts

3. Payment via QR Code on the bill 

4. Through the Krungthai Next application of Krung Thai Bank

And 5. Through agent counters