Politics
Old City Bkk Community Services Referendum: Projected Changes to District Support Programs
Voters in Old City Bkk districts will decide on a measure that directs new funding toward local elder care centers and youth outreach offices if approved.
How we reported this
The Community Services Enhancement Referendum scheduled for 15 August 2026 proposes a 0.25 percent increase in the local property assessment rate to generate dedicated revenue for social programs run by the Old City Bkk Municipal Authority.
City records show that demand for community services in the Rattanakosin and Banglamphu areas has risen since the 2024 municipal budget allocations, which covered 340,000 residents through existing centers but left waiting lists for home-visit programs at 2,800 households.
Effects on Resident Access to Services
Households in the historic core would gain expanded hours at three district community centers, where the measure would add staff for daily meal delivery and after-school tutoring sessions currently limited to weekdays until 4 p.m.
Local advocates note that families near the Chao Phraya riverfront could see new mobile health clinics operating twice weekly, while policy analysts say the added revenue would cover training for 45 additional social workers assigned to the Samphanthawong and Phra Nakhon sub-districts.
The legislation states that 65 percent of proceeds must support programs for residents aged 60 and older, with the remaining share allocated to child and family services tracked through the municipal social welfare office.
Budget Figures and Next Steps
According to the draft referendum ordinance released on 2 July 2026, the levy is projected to raise 128 million baht in its first full year, based on current property valuations filed with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters starting 20 July, with in-person polling stations open at 12 community halls across the Old City Bkk jurisdiction on election day.