Thai citizens have mixed reactions about the closure of Hua Lamphong Station in central Bangkok, one of the very first stations of Thailand from over 100 years, as to develop the area into a mix-used area, where all railway lines including commercial, short-distance, and long-distance lines were relocated to Bang Sue Station.

 

The former deputy director of Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, Yiamchai Chatkaew, commented that a train station in the middle of Bangkok is a must for the citizens to be able to access the transit system with convenience, speed, and safety.

 

Meanwhile, Professor Sonchai Lobyaem from Department of Urban Design and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University, pointed out that there are stations in several countries that are more than 200 years old and still operate, calling for the Hua Lamphong station to be maintained, adding that Hua Lamphong Station has high potential as a terminal and possibility to be developed to be city’s cargo hub.

 

-- © Copyright A24 News Agency 2021-12-15

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Would be helpful to have sub-titles on the video for an English-language community.

Well, at least the historic building hasn't been peddled off (yet!) to the CP Group so they can demolish it to erect yet another unneeded shopping mall.

I have fond memories of that station from my days as a traveller. A pity to see it being replaced by the impressive, yet soulless, characterless new station. 

I used to take a train from Hua Lamphong out to Pattanagan for an evening job out near the airport.  For 3 baht I could travel half-way across Bangkok.  The train was always packed with commuters and the trip took 45 minutes - only slightly slower than a taxi and about 1/50 the cost!

I thought they announced recently that it would be kept open to support local commuter trains?