16 Hongkongers sued for refusing to vacate homes in HK$15 billion URA project

The Hong Kong government has lodged civil lawsuits against 16 residents who allegedly refused to vacate homes in a neighbourhood known for its Thai and Chiu Chow heritage, earmarked for a HK$15 billion (US$1.91 billion) redevelopment project.The secretary for justice, on behalf of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), initiated proceedings at the District Court on Wednesday seeking eviction orders and damages against the 16 residents in Kowloon City.Court documents seen by the South China Morning Post on Thursday showed the residents at tenement blocks on Nam Kok Road and Nga Tsin Long Road failed to hand over possession of their flats by an October 17 deadline last year.The defendants continued to occupy the premises after a government-appointed law firm threatened to take legal action if they still ignored a second deadline on January 22, according to the filing.Kowloon City, nicknamed “Little Thailand”, is home to dozens of Thai restaurants and grocery stores. The community grew in the 1970s when Chiu Chow men returning from Thailand settled in the area with their Thai wives.People splash water during Songkran at Kowloon City. Photo: Sam TsangThe district is also known for celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year and water festival.