Bangkok, the vibrant and bustling metropolis, is about to take a leap into the future with its updated city plan, poised for implementation in 2027. This ambitious blueprint, spearheaded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), has been a long time coming. Initially drafted in 2013 and originally slated for rollout in 2019, the plan got entangled in a web of revisions and reviews, courtesy of the Ministry of Interior. The delays were attributed to the need for a more thorough evaluation of water and environmental zoning, essential components for the sustainable growth of this dynamic city.
As Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon reveals, the fourth iteration of the city plan is nearing completion, with an impressive 70% already wrapped up. In the coming days, the comprehensive draft will make its way to the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT), marking the next stage of this transformative journey.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. The DPT has been a staunch advocate for the integrity of the original 2013 plan, cautioning against excessive modifications. After all, this version had already been thoroughly vetted and approved. However, evolution is key, and so adjustments are being made with surgical precision, balancing government policy, scholarly insight, and public input. Amidst public hearings, a chorus of voices has called for significant changes, ranging from canceling or resizing roads to updating land-use tags, expanding the urban green tapestry, and instituting novel zoning protocols. Only those ideas that pass muster with government policy, academic counsel, and public approval will be woven into the urban fabric.
The path forward includes finalizing those ever-important land-use color codes and engaging in more public dialogues before presenting the plan to the DPT’s urban planning panel. Should it receive the green light, the plan will ascend to the Bangkok Provincial Planning Committee, after which it will be unveiled for a 90-day review period, inviting stakeholders to express their concerns or suggest tweaks. The final masterpiece is anticipated to be codified by 2027.
While all this unfolds, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is guiding the city through a transitional phase as his tenure winds down in mid-2026. Until the new plan takes effect, the city will continue to dance to the rhythm of the now slightly aging 2013 plan, a situation that, according to Wisanu, could create some dissonance with Bangkok’s vibrant, ever-changing landscape.
In a digital nod to the BMA’s unwavering commitment to community service, former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij took to Facebook to commend recent efforts. From tackling traffic snags head-on to proactively warding off floods, the city’s endeavors haven’t gone unnoticed. However, Chatikavanij did voice some trepidation about the zoning law amendments, hinting at the potential legalization of previously unsanctioned high-rise ventures, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
In a related narrative, the Transport Ministry is considering a strategic reshuffle: moving Bangkok’s inter-provincial bus terminals to the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The aim? To forge stronger connections with the city’s expansive mass transit network, ushering in seamless mobility for millions.
And as news from across Thailand trickles in, the pulse of the city beat on. From the ambitious crackdown on boisterous bikers in Sattahip to the pioneering celebration of Pride Month at centralwOrld, the Kingdom is alive with stories waiting to be told. Amidst records being shattered at Bangkok Pride 2025 and Miss World triumphs, the city plans its next steps—a narrative woven with progress, community, and a touch of intrigue.
I love how ambitious this plan is. It’s about time Bangkok focuses on sustainability and green spaces!
But isn’t it a bit too late? Shouldn’t they have implemented this years ago?
Better late than never! Change takes time and some effort is better than nothing at all.
Agreed. Real progress takes meticulous planning. Rushing things would only create more problems.
I feel skeptical about those zoning law changes. Allowing more high-rises might ruin the skyline.
High-rises can mean more housing options. Plus, cities evolve; it’s a natural process.
True, but development should enhance the city, not turn it into a concrete jungle.
They need to plant more trees, not just plan fancy high-rise buildings.
Finally, some attention on public transportation! Hope this will ease the daily commute headaches.
Public transit improvements could indeed make life easier for many commuters.
Comprehensive urban plans are always subject to revisions. It’s a balance between vision and pragmatism.
What’s the point of public hearings if only government-approved ideas make it through?
That’s how democracy works! Still, it’s better than making decisions behind closed doors.
I guess some transparency is better than none at all.
Bangkok Pride 2025 was amazing! It’s great to see the city embracing diversity.
Absolutely! It’s all about progress and inclusion.
I’m worried about the traffic once they start these developments. Has anyone considered this?
Good point. I hope they have a solid plan for traffic management too.
I’m just worried about those bikers in Sattahip. It feels like we’re losing the city’s vibrancy with all these restrictions.
Safety is important but there should be a middle ground.
The whole process seems overly bureaucratic. They need to streamline these plans.
Bangkok desperately needs more green spaces. The city is way too polluted.
Yes, planting more trees would be a step in the right direction.
Why is it taking until 2027 for the plan to be ready? This should have been finalized years ago.
Good things take time. Meanwhile, the existing plan is still in place to guide the city.
I hope the new transport links integrate with existing ones. Many people rely on them for daily commutes.
Bangkok’s evolving identity is fascinating. Even with delays, the commitment to improvement is impressive.