Old City Bkk Property Tax Referendum Targets Commercial Assessments for Local Infrastructure

The proposed ballot measure asks Old City Bkk voters to approve updated assessment rules for commercial properties, with the revenue directed to infrastructure projects inside the historic core. Under the plan, assessments would apply to buildings used for retail, offices and tourism services, while residential parcels remain unchanged. Local business owners with holdings near the Grand Palace and along Ratchadamnoen Road would see the largest shifts in annual bills.

Why the vote arrives now

City records indicate that maintenance backlogs on district roads reached levels requiring attention within the next budget cycle. The referendum process stems from a 2024 council ordinance that requires voter approval before new assessment formulas can take effect. Residents have until 15 August to review the full text posted on the Old City Bkk municipal website.

Businesses operating in high-traffic tourist zones stand to pay more under the revised formula, while households in adjacent residential blocks would continue paying existing rates. Funds collected would support repairs on routes used daily by commuters travelling to offices near Sanam Luang and by vendors supplying markets at Tha Chang pier. Property owners outside the commercial zones would not contribute additional amounts yet would still use the improved streets and transit stops.

Projected revenue and allocation

The 2025 Old City Bkk Budget Paper listed 320 million baht spent on road maintenance across the district last year. The measure is projected to raise an additional 85 million baht annually once fully implemented, according to the finance department's estimate released in May. That amount would cover resurfacing on three specific corridors and the addition of two new bus priority lanes connecting to the nearby MRT station.

Advocates for the measure note that larger hotels and retail chains would shoulder most of the new assessments, while smaller family-run shops could qualify for a five-year phase-in period. Residents who rely on public transport rather than private vehicles would see the most immediate change in service frequency once the lanes open. Those who own or rent commercial space inside the assessment area would face higher operating costs that could affect lease prices or staffing decisions.

Voters will mark ballots on 12 September at polling stations located at district community centres and selected temples. Results will determine whether the new assessment rules begin collection in January 2027. City staff have scheduled two public information sessions for 22 July and 5 August at the Old City Bkk administrative building to answer questions on eligibility and payment schedules.