BANGKOK, Thailand – A long-standing neighborhood conflict in Nonthaburi province has been resolved after local officials intervened in a dispute involving an abandoned vehicle that had been parked in front of a residential home for nearly eight years, blocking access and eventually triggering a minor collision. The incident took place in a housing estate in Phimonrat subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district, where residents complained about a disabled passenger van left stationary in front of a house for years. The situation escalated after the homeowner, who had recently purchased a new and larger vehicle, found it increasingly difficult to enter and exit her property.
The matter drew attention from local authorities after reports of repeated unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue privately. The complainant, Ms. Araya Klabdee, 32, said that earlier she had been able to manage despite the obstruction, but the situation became unmanageable after upgrading her vehicle and planning to install an electric vehicle charging point at home.
She added that she had asked the vehicle owner several times to move the van, but received no cooperation. After an incident where vehicles made contact while maneuvering in the narrow space, she escalated the complaint to municipal authorities and later sought assistance from local political representatives.
Following the complaint, Mr. Kiattikhun Tonyang, also known locally as “Lawyer Pong,” a Member of Parliament for Nonthaburi’s 7th district, together with Mr. Yanyong Khumjai, the president of the Phimon Rat Municipal Council, and Mr. Watcharin Saengwiman, deputy mayor of Phimonrat Municipality, visited the site to mediate the dispute. Officials said they engaged both parties in discussions to find a practical solution, emphasizing road safety and access for emergency and municipal vehicles. After negotiations, the owner of the van agreed to move the vehicle from its original position and later arrange for its removal from the area. The vehicle owner, an elderly man identified as Mr. Banthuk, 74, explained that the van had been out of service for several years due to mechanical failure, including brake issues, making it difficult to move. He said he intended to transport the vehicle back to southern Thailand for resale but had not yet arranged the logistics for removal.
Authorities noted that the narrow roadway had been partially obstructed for years, creating difficulties not only for residents but also for service vehicles such as garbage collection trucks. Officials reiterated that public roads and shared access areas are intended for temporary use only, and long-term obstruction may be subject to legal action. Mr. Kiattikhun stated that after reviewing the situation on-site, all parties agreed to resolve the issue amicably. He added that vehicles that are no longer operational should not be left in public or shared spaces for extended periods, and should either be repaired or relocated to appropriate storage areas to avoid disputes and potential legal consequences. The case has since been resolved, with residents now able to access their homes normally after years of restricted entry.
