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Bangkok’s Urban Renewal 2025: Chadchart Leads Phaholyothin Road’s Flood Solution

There’s a curious saga unfolding on Phaholyothin Road, right where the bustling Lotus’s store stands as a sentinel amidst the urban rhythm. This particular patch of Bangkok has been a notorious troublemaker, especially when the skies decide to open their floodgates. But fear not, for a bold new venture is taking shape—an act of modern-day wizardry, if you will. Picture this: water retention pits and a network of pipes set to act as steadfast guardians, channeling the unruly waters away from the front lines of Lotus and onward to the ever-diligent drainage system trailing Horwang School. The waters will find their final resting place in the reliable embrace of the Vibhavadi Canal. Sounds like something out of urban planning folklore, doesn’t it?

The grand idea is to bring a balm of relief to the perpetually soggy Lat Phrao intersection. But, as with all grand plans, there are hiccups. Enter, stage left: Chadchart, the bearer of both hope and a conundrum. The project’s well-meaning march has hit a stumbling block—aging gas pipes, remnants of infrastructural past, lurking underfoot like obstinate old guardians refusing to budge. The task of taming these iron serpents falls not to Chadchart or the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), but to PTT, the utility artisan with the know-how to relocate these stubborn relics of utility’s past.

The plan, though delayed, shall see the light by the end of July 2025, Chadchart assures. An optimistic blueprint has the finishing touches on the stretch near the expressway poised to be complete by the following month, August 2025. So keep your spirits buoyant, resilient citizens of Bangkok, for progress marches onwards, albeit at its own rhythm.

Amidst this swirling symphony of urban renewal, Chadchart adds a sprinkle of optimism to the mix. Have you heard about the grand endeavor of burying power lines underground? It’s a project that has taken root thanks to the diligent hands of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). On Lat Phrao Road, utility poles are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, particularly on the odd-numbered side. A whopping 90% have disappeared as if swept away by a magician’s wand.

The plan doesn’t stop there—imagine it!—extending its reach to the Lamsalee Intersection in the bustling district of Bang Kapi. Phaholyothin Road, a notorious feature in the chronicles of overhead wiring, has been liberated from its entangled burden, leaving just the final throes of pedestrian pathway refinements in the capable hands of MEA.

And as if this symphony of progress needed yet another crescendo, the BMA has also embarked on enhancing pedestrian bridges. Their mission? Relocate support columns to gift the sidewalks with much-needed breathing room. What this means for you, dear walker, is a more spirited saunter along Lat Phrao and Phaholyothin Roads. Yes, indeed, imagine the smooth, spacious promenades that await!

In his closing words, Chadchart speaks with a smile, a glint of hope in his eyes, ushering in a fresh era of pedestrian pleasure, dry roads, and a city as resilient as the spirit of its people. After all, that’s the promise that beats at the heart of #GoodTravel, a refrain in Bangkok’s redevelopment narrative. A perfect hashtag-worthy endeavor, don’t you think?

24 Comments

  1. Larry D July 17, 2025

    This kind of infrastructure improvement sounds great on paper, but these projects always seem to take forever to complete in Thailand! Are we really going to see it by 2025, or is that just another empty promise?

    • sara89 July 17, 2025

      True, Larry. These projects drag on endlessly because of constant hurdles. But at least they’re making progress with the utility poles.

      • Larry D July 17, 2025

        I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but I sure hope this is one promise they manage to keep!

      • Elliott July 17, 2025

        I’m skeptical too, guys. They always blame ‘aging infrastructure,’ and it’s just an excuse for poor planning. I think they should have figured this out years ago.

  2. Joe July 17, 2025

    I think this is really exciting! Imagine the difference, no more floods during the monsoons. Bangkok seriously needs these improvements.

    • Patty L. July 17, 2025

      You’re right, Joe. But what worries me is if they will manage to finish it in time and without budget overruns.

      • Joe July 17, 2025

        True, Patty. But at least they’re trying to fix the problems. I’d rather have them give it a shot than do nothing.

      • Olivia_8 July 17, 2025

        I agree, guys. It’s worth attempting. The city will benefit in the long run, even if it’s hard now.

  3. Ravi July 17, 2025

    Am I the only one worried about the environmental impact of all this construction? These projects always disrupt nature more than they help it.

    • Natasha K. July 17, 2025

      I feel you, Ravi. We need to find a balance between urban development and preserving our natural surroundings. It’s a constant struggle.

      • Ravi July 17, 2025

        Exactly, Natasha. Hope they’re considering eco-friendly solutions, but knowing the bureaucracy, I doubt it.

  4. TechGuy123 July 17, 2025

    Has anyone thought about what happens if these designs fail to handle the water correctly? I’m worried it could just make things worse.

    • Julius Yang July 17, 2025

      Good point, TechGuy. They should have tested these systems in more controlled conditions first. It’s risky to implement and hope for the best.

  5. OscarP July 17, 2025

    It’s about time they started putting power lines underground! It makes the city look so much cleaner.

    • Moira July 17, 2025

      Totally agree, Oscar. It’s a win for both looks and safety. However, underground lines can be costly and tricky to maintain.

    • OscarP July 17, 2025

      True enough, Moira, but the aesthetic and safety improvements make it worth exploring.

  6. Zara K July 17, 2025

    The pedestrian bridge enhancements are overdue. I walk these areas, and it’s a bit of a nightmare sometimes.

    • Leo_93 July 17, 2025

      I know what you mean, Zara! It’s frustrating, but the improvements should make a big difference for pedestrians once done.

  7. Explorer July 17, 2025

    These changes will reduce accidents caused by poor road conditions. It’s promising to see this level of commitment.

  8. William T. July 17, 2025

    Sounds like another story where promises lead to nowhere, just like many other urban projects here.

  9. Olive July 17, 2025

    Unlike most modern cities, Bangkok struggled too long with poor urban planning. This may be a step towards finally addressing that.

  10. Chad C July 17, 2025

    I’m not sold on these flood solutions; they’re treating the symptoms, not the cause.

  11. Alice_772 July 17, 2025

    It’s an ambitious project, but I wonder if compliance with regulations will slow it down significantly.

  12. Ben Thompson July 17, 2025

    I’m optimistic. Change requires effort and time, but it’s feasible with cross-departmental cooperation.

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