In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a city known for its vibrant street life and towering skyscrapers, a transformation is quietly in the works. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), under the stewardship of Governor Chadchart, is embarking on a revitalization quest in the Asok area, focusing on turning pedestrian roads into safe, usable, and aesthetically pleasing pathways.
Consider this the next step in urban evolution: a pedestrian-friendly city inspired by the picturesque canal-side walkways of Phan Fa Lilat pier near the historic Wat Saket, commonly known as the Golden Mount. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about making travel easy and enjoyable for everyone. The Asok area’s pedestrian paths are about to get a much-needed facelift, aligning them with Bangkok’s grand vision of modernization.
Now, imagine this: Situated at a pivotal crossroads, the pedestrian roads on Asok Road link the elevated tracks of the BTS along Sukhumvit Road with the underground balances of the MRT at New Phetchaburi Road. They form vital conduits for the young students, bustling office workers, and condo dwellers who traverse here daily. Yet, these pathways bear tales of wear and tear, their condition woefully outdated in today’s world.
Governor Chadchart paints a vivid picture of the pedestrian roads as relics of a bygone era—a 30-year-old design with the charm of yesteryears but the structural integrity of a sandcastle. Built with 30x30x6cm tiles that have seen better days, these caterpillar-like paths face a perpetual foe in water erosion, threatening their stability. And so, a renaissance is planned, with the BMA determined to usher these roads into a new age.
Enter the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), playing its part in this urban orchestration. Imagining the Asok promenade as a tapestry, MEA’s grand design envisages burying electrical cables underground, aligning perfectly with the vision to enhance pedestrian pathways. Together with the BMA, they’ve been plotting and planning under the Bangkok sun, weaving the intricate details into a cohesive plan.
Yet, as with many great plans, bumps in the road are inevitable. The MEA has found itself in a bit of a sticky wicket, delaying their underground endeavors. Undeterred, the BMA has donned the mantle of progress, forging ahead with improvements based on cutting-edge designs, ensuring there’s no dalliance in their timeline.
With a twinkle of optimism, Governor Chadchart shares a close circle bit of news: a contractor is expected to be in place by July 2025. Prioritizing spots with the trickiest of terrains will keep disruption minimal and improvement maximal—a promise to weave chains of connected convenience that one could compare to pearls on a string.
In a candid moment, Governor Chadchart addresses his people, reflecting the transparency of his governance. “We sincerely apologize for the delays in the Asok pedestrian road project,” he says with earnest resolve. “The wheels are now in motion, and rest assured, areas needing the most love and care will swiftly see changes.”
So, there you have it—a narrative of sustainability, urban progression, and living in the dynamic jungle that is Bangkok. The future, as we see it, curls the corners of a smile that may grow, and while infrastructure and timelines might ask for patience, beauty, and functionality will seduce the cityscape of Asok.
#BMA #Bangkok #9GuidingPrinciples9Good #GoodTravel #Asok #PedestrianRoad
I love the idea of turning Asok area into a more pedestrian-friendly zone. Bangkok could use more walkable spaces!
True, but won’t this project just cause more traffic congestion during construction?
That’s a valid concern, but short-term pain for long-term gain, right? Plus, once it’s done, it might actually reduce traffic if more people choose to walk.
Hopefully, this brings more tourists too. The city needs boosts like this post-pandemic.
Sorry to be so cynical, but I see it as an improved path for the scourge of Bangkok- Grab motorcycles.
I had to dodge three today…
Burying electrical cables is long overdue in Bangkok! It will make the city much safer during storms.
They say modernization, but what about preserving some of Bangkok’s old-world charm? Not everything has to be shiny and new.
Why not have the best of both worlds? Modern logistics with old-world aesthetics.
Exactly! Balance is key. Maybe they could incorporate elements of traditional Thai design into the new pathways.
I agree with this project. However, like many cities in the world, the Chadchart Bangkok government should impose a city levy toll for vehicles plying the area. This will undoubtedly lower pollution and congestion. The government should also consolidate all public transportation under one organisation so as to encourage the use of public transportation. Many professionals and workers in the city complained about the high costs of public transportation and the nitty gritty to own several transportation cards.
The government should also build more skywalks, like the RWalk (Ratchaprasong Walk) or extend the RWalk for visitors and commuters. Skywalks are getting popular in some ASEAN cities because it offers visitors and commuters easy accessible connectivities, cleaner and faster connections, great exercise, away from the hot sun and rain, and the encouragement to use public transportations, whether buses or trains.
As such, connectivities can include the busy regions from National Stadium towards Platinum SC, and Thong L’or or Ekamai. Visitors or commuters to walk or take trains if they’re tired or feeling too hot to walk. With skywalks extensions, these will invariably reduce traffic congestions and pollution.
Can they really stick to this timeline? Government projects always take longer than expected.
Governor Chadchart seems transparent and determined. Maybe this time will be different?
Forging ahead without the MEA seems risky. Hope BMA doesn’t encounter more delays without the necessary infrastructure ready.
True, and unforeseen issues always pop up with such projects. We’ll see.
It’s frustrating though. You’d think they’d coordinate better.
BMA’s determination is commendable but let’s see if they can really pull it off without further delays.
I’m excited to see the new designs! Hopefully, they’ll incorporate more greenery for a sustainable touch.
Will this really prioritize commuters? Asok is packed with office workers; hope it eases their routine.
If they manage to reduce the chaos even a bit, it’ll be worth it.
As a student, a safer, less crowded path would be amazing!
It sounds cool, but less water damage sounds really boring! What’s so bad about the puddles anyway?
Finally, a move towards a manageable timeline! I will keep fingers crossed for the contractor selection.
I remember when these pathways were first laid down. They’ve definitely seen better days, but I hope some historic feel remains.
I hope they incorporate some nostalgic elements too—a perfect blend of old and new.
I’m just wondering about the environmental impact. Hope they plan on countering it effectively.
Infrastructure change is always a welcome development. Just hope this doesn’t take a decade to complete!
Pedestrian pathways sound great, but will there be enough benches? Long walks can be tiring.
A contractor by 2025—it seems so far away, yet let’s commend the BMA for getting the wheels turning now.
It’s a distant timeline, but essential Work goes a long way in improving city lives!
Exactly, patience and a proper plan may yield great results!
This sounds like a novel idea but until it’s done, my car seems like the better option!