ABOVE: The 4.3-kilometer Tha Nam Non Bridge crosses the Chao Phraya River north of city center in Nonthaburi province. It cost about THB4 billion and is nearly completed.
During the next two decades 10 more bridges will be erected to span the mighty Chao Phraya.
Expected to cost about THB50 billion, most of the new spans to cross the river in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces will begin construction in 2017 for completion by 2021, according to Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
In addition to the nearly completed Tha Nam Non Bridge in Nonthaburi, plans are being approved for the Kiakkai, Rama II, Ratchawong Thadindaeng, Lat Ya-Maha Pruektharam, Chan-Charoen Nakhon, Pathum Thani, Sam Khok, Samut Prakan, and Sanam Binnam bridges, according to the Bangkok Post.
Construction of the Sanam Binnam Bridge won’t begin until 2022, Arkhom said.
The Kiakkai Bridge will cross the river to the capital’s planned new parliament building, but there are unresolved issues with its access points, he said.
Public hearings will be held in areas to be affected, he added.
