A model of river restoration, the Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, South Korea was a lifeless roadway before its transformation into an urban oasis. Photo: Michael Sotnikov
We like to build our cities near large bodies of water, then pave everything and turn it into a choked, polluted mess.
Taking a step from other cities around the world who’ve gone back to reclaim some of that beauty, Bangkok plans to preserve three areas on the eastern side of the mighty Chao Phraya River, and construct some type of pedestrian-friendly walking areas along that other, not-downtown side.
The four Districts to be preserved would be Phra Nakhon, Samphanthawong and Pom Prap Sattru Phai, according to Sanya Cheenimitr of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The historic communities of Werng Nakhon Kasem, Charoenchai, Talad Noi and Luenrit would be designated under a revised urban plan as “Old Bangkok.”
Historic preservation, often a priority in cities running low on architectural assets, would become a priority, with some older buildings being afforded protected status.
Representatives from the Crown Property Bureau, The Siam Society and community members will survey the area for preservation recommendations.
Boosting tourism is, unsurprisingly, another hoped for goal.
Another civic organization today also announced a plan to develop a pedestrian walkway on the river’s western side to connect the Bangkok Yai canal to Khlong San Canal.
The walkway would help to curtail erosion of the river’s bank, according President Sutha Nitiphanont of the General Committee of Bangkok Metropolitan Council.
The plan has been developed for two years, according to Kriangphon Pattanarat, director of City Planning, and may take several years more to be realized, Khaosod reported.
