Lumpini Park, a beloved green oasis in the heart of Bangkok, has recently undergone a makeover that has drawn mixed reactions from the public.

 

The park's traditional marble benches, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, have been resurfaced with stainless steel, a decision that has sparked a heated debate regarding safety and practicality.

 

The renovation was intended to modernize the park facilities and reduce maintenance costs associated with the wear and tear of the old marble benches. However, shortly after the new benches were installed, concerns regarding their safety began to circulate on social media platforms.

 

Users pointed out that the reflective surface of stainless steel could pose a fire hazard by concentrating sunlight, particularly in Thailand's tropical climate.

 

Additionally, the metal benches are uncomfortable to use during very hot or very cold weather, detracting from their usability. Social media users also questioned the choice of material from a cost perspective, with some suggesting that replacing the benches entirely, rather than resurfacing them, might have been a more effective solution.

 

Critics of the renovation voiced their opinions online, with one user humorously remarking, "Who would dare to sit on them? Maybe after 6pm," highlighting the impracticality of using metal benches under the scorching sun.

 

Another commenter raised a safety concern, stating, "Reflecting sunlight could cause a fire. I've seen stainless steel chairs reflect sunlight onto plastic, causing it to burn. Very dangerous."

 

In response to the backlash, park officials are reviewing feedback and considering additional measures to ensure the benches are safe and functional for all visitors.

 

While the intent behind the upgrade was to improve the park's infrastructure, the execution has led to a broader discussion about the suitability of materials used in public spaces and their impact on community safety and comfort.

 

As this debate continues, the future of Lumpini Park's new benches remains uncertain, with potential adjustments on the horizon to address the public's concerns.

 

Picture courtesy: Kapook

 

-- 2024-07-13

 

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Paint them white ... problem solved 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The park's traditional marble benches, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal

 

Do people really think this about these kinds of benches?  I always thought they were cheap, unattractive and uncomfortable.

5 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Do people really think this about these kinds of benches?  I always thought they were cheap, unattractive and uncomfortable.

But better looking than those horrible stainless steel things in the photo.

Anyway - stainless steel in Thailand is not stainless for long. They will soon be rusty and scratched.

7 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

But better looking than those horrible stainless steel things in the photo.

Anyway - stainless steel in Thailand is not stainless for long. They will soon be rusty and scratched.

Because the 304 stainless steel that they get from china only makes it as high as 208 or so... they cheat and leave out a bit.

if those benches are in the direct sunlight i will pay 1000b to anyone willing to sit on it for 15 minutes with a speedo on.

1 minute ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

Because the 304 stainless steel that they get from china only makes it as high as 208 or so... they cheat and leave out a bit.

 

i never had any corrosion in my 304 ss from china. but i did notice the difference in quality in welds and weight. so yes they did leave something out. 

Bring your own eggs and bacon no cooker required 🤔

My Bank has several steps up to the door, it also has a stainless steel hand rail at the side.

Even early morning the hand rail is way too hot to touch,  if someone could touch it and continue to hold on to it would result in serious burns on the hand, dunno what it would do to someone sitting on stainless steel......

 

A stainless top has been fabricated and fitted over the normal cheap concrete benches and tables you see around town, the height of those seating benches is only 17" the standard height for something like a picnic bench bench is 19 "

 

We have two of these sets in the garden, they are too low to sit on and a struggle to get up from.

I bet some enterprising fellows are already scouting how best to remove and transport the cladding and sell for scrap...

Last time I saw stainless steel like that, a Japanese Chef was flipping shrimp into my mouth from it.

 

A fire hazard...really? Who thinks that!   !! If they only had a brain.

How about lightning in the vicinity?

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Paint them white ... problem solved 

Hey 'confused', you may want to pick a science book.  Will also explain why you sweat your butt off a bit more than your mates, who prefer white / light t-shirts instead of the black one, you may wear.

 

Think these folks know something you don't ...

 

On Topic ... as always ... 

Just noticed these at local park.   What were they thinking ?   Surely don't get much use when the sun is out.

 

Although all the exercise equipment is smartly painted white ... go figure ...

 

“Additionally, the metal benches are uncomfortable to use during very hot or very cold weather”

… expats waiting on that cold weather🙂

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Paint them white ... problem solved 

 

Why paint them white?

 

Leave them as is, and just use them to fry eggs and sausages.

 

 

3 hours ago, Rimmer said:

My Bank has several steps up to the door, it also has a stainless steel hand rail at the side

Lucky you got a handrail !

I think they should have gone with SS 316.

 

We used to use 316 for nuts and bolts, for example.

 

Very low potential for corrosion.

 

Also, what is wrong with wooden benches?

Quote

Users pointed out that the reflective surface of stainless steel could pose a fire hazard by concentrating sunlight, particularly in Thailand's tropical climate.

This is possibly the dumbest thing I've ever read.  Yes, be afraid of something that has never happened in the history of the world, stainless steel concentrating sunlight like a magnifying glass and starting a fire.  I've begun to fear for the future of humanity, it's gotten so stupid.  

nope, those were not made of marble

nope, st.steel furniture won't cause fire hazard - false statements

yes, st.steel benches and tables are much cheaper that's why they are boing used in US jails and near Thai Energy Building at Vipawadee

and that is very bad taste as they don't fit into Lumpinee park scene.

Another opportunity to issue a contract with commission ?

4 hours ago, stoner said:

if those benches are in the direct sunlight i will pay 1000b to anyone willing to sit on it for 15 minutes with a speedo on.

Whatever floats your boat.

Looks to me like they are in a shaded area, and there are umbrellas. Not sure what the fuss is about really.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The park's traditional marble benches, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, have been resurfaced with stainless steel, a decision that has sparked a heated debate regarding safety and practicality.

 

Easy fix!

 

A thick coating of mortar skim coat will solve the problem.

 

Shirley, someone important's cousin, has a concrete business.  Pretty sure he's the brother of the stainless steel wholesaler.

Free barbecue hot plates! They're gonna be lovely cool on sunny days! 

5 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Bring your own eggs and bacon no cooker required 🤔

I'd be more worried about the meat and potatoes.

Wow, who would have thought, build and chair, and think about what its going to feel lile on a hot day.

 

Thats far too much common sense

 

Might as well made them with razor blades , with sharp edges

5 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

But better looking than those horrible stainless steel things in the photo.

Anyway - stainless steel in Thailand is not stainless for long. They will soon be rusty and scratched.

FYI - Stainless steel is called stainless steel for a reason my friend... the absence of iron removes any risk of rust.

Please try and use this forum in a positive way, why all the constant negativity ?

 

Cheer up 😜

 

 

Exposed to full sunlight for 1hourt or so , they will become hot , really hot...

Let the ( child ) rapists and sexual offenders sit on them until they never want sex again ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eexxposed

8 minutes ago, UK Martin said:

Please try and use this forum in a positive way

You're a Mod giving out directions?   Having different opinions is not  "being negative".