On November 7, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials, including Deputy Governors Tavida Kamolvej and Wisanu Subsompon, announced the relocation of the Fire and Rescue Training Center from Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, to Nong Chok, Bangkok. The decision follows an assessment revealing land-use and environmental constraints at the original 57-rai Sam Phran site, classified for rural and agricultural preservation under local zoning laws. Building the necessary training and accommodation facilities would have required extensive environmental impact assessments (EIA), leading to potential delays and complications.

The new 78-rai site in Nong Chok, already used as a learning center by the BMA, offers government-designated land and existing infrastructure, which will lower costs and align more closely with project goals. The facility transfer complies with Thailand’s public procurement laws, and prior private contracts remain unaffected, allowing the original bidders to reapply under the new site parameters.

Wisanu highlighted the cost-efficiency of the Nong Chok site, adding that it avoids complex rezoning issues. Director of the BMA’s Department of Public Works Thawatchai Napasaksiri clarified that prior bidding disputes would be resolved per government procurement guidelines, with project construction anticipated to start by mid-2025, funded under the 2025–2027 budget.