Thailand Debates Costly Move to Relocate Capital from Bangkok

[Negita43]

Just another payday for "consultants" surely it's better to solve the issue in Bangkok (that costs money with less political noise)  than deal with the politics and enormous infrastructure costs of a move to Nakhon Ratchasima.

And finally, will the goverment workers want to move?

 

[Negita43]

Two videos 1 Nakhon Ratchasima 2. Bangkok - Take your pick for a soaking

 

[kwilco]

1 hour ago, save the frogs said:

Before the CCP took control of China, there were a bunch of warlords fighting each other.

Is that good for any country? Or is it better to have one party and stability and peace within a country? 

Very bizarre example, tangential to the discussion - you seem to be somewhat in favour of  an authoritarian government?

[kwilco]

58 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

Two videos 1 Nakhon Ratchasima 2. Bangkok - Take your pick for a soaking

 

 

 

It is established fact that Bangkok is sinking, this is being use by the military as an excuse to consolidate their power. THere are mant alternative to simply moving the admin capital into a bullet-proof "castle". The people of Bangkok need a holistic approach which they are a part of.

[kwilco]

11 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

who's capital cities are slowly sinking?

you think that's the yardstick for moving a capital? - BTW Amsterdam is sinking.

[Negita43]

4 minutes ago, kwilco said:

you think that's the yardstick for moving a capital? - BTW Amsterdam is sinking.

And Venice

[kwilco]

14 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

And Venice

so no relocation there, then.

[kwilco]

I think we can learn from history…new capitals  are often tools of authoritarian  regimes to centralise and consolidate their power.

 

New capitals are frequently employed by authoritarian regimes as tools of control. By moving away from politically engaged, historically significant urban centres, these governments aim to weaken opposition, reinforce regime legitimacy, and construct carefully controlled environments that reinforce their ideological goals. Whether through monumental architecture, geographic repositioning, or rigid urban planning, these capitals serve as physical manifestations of authoritarian power, insulating rulers from democratic movements and consolidating their grip over national affairs.

 

Throughout history, authoritarian regimes have used architecture and urban planning to consolidate control, project power, and suppress democratic movements. One example of this phenomenon is the construction of new capital cities— strategically planned urban centres  - not organically grwn cities for people and commerce, they are designed by single entities or cabals to centralize authority, symbolize regime strength, and minimize dissent.

 

There is plent of historical Precedent for this….

e.g. - Stalin, Hitler, and Fascist Urbanism which has been taken uo subsequently by many authoritarian and militaristic regimes – Rome under Mussolini and Paris under Haussmann.

Totalitarian leaders like Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler envisioned grand architectural projects that symbolized their regimes' power and ideological dominance. Both sought to transform Moscow and Berlin into monumental capital cities, reinforcing their rule through urban landscapes meant to inspire awe and submission. Their plans included vast public squares, colossal structures, and rigidly controlled urban layouts that reflected the hierarchies of their regimes. While many of these designs remained unrealized, their impact on contemporary urban development remains evident.

Thai Prime Minister during the Second World War, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, was inspired by Benito Mussolini. - Phibun's resignation was brought about in part at least by his two grandiose plans: one was to relocate the capital from Bangkok to a remote site in the jungle near Phetchabun in north central Thailand, and another was to build a "Buddhist city" in Saraburi.

 

Similarly, in September 2019, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha proposed the idea of moving the capital to alleviate issues like overcrowding, pollution, and traffic congestion in Bangkok. He mentioned two potential approaches: relocating to a new city or moving administrative functions to the outskirts of Bangkok. This is a version of th old Thai fascist idea, thinly veiled in “environmental concerns. My guess the current proposal is to placate the military who still maintain a majority presence in Thai parliament.

The Military will love it!

 

Other examples of  Authoritarian governments relocating capitals… Nigeria:

Pakistan: Karachi to Islamabad (1959)

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to Brasília (1960)

Lagos to Abuja (1991)

Kazakhstan: Almaty to Astana (1997)

Indonesia: Jakarta to Nusantara

Myanmar: Yangon to Naypyidaw (2005)

[GammaGlobulin]

Not in my back yard, please.

 

[kwilco]

16 hours ago, Kasset Tak said:

This is not like in Myanmar as the problem is that Bangkok is sinking, while the sea level is rising... and if you are right, then look at the US that have had 9 cities serve as capitals...

I'm afraid it is - sinking is just an excuse - plenty of other solutions to a sinking city - at best it's rats leaving a sinking ship.

[Negita43]

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

I'm afraid it is - sinking is just an excuse - plenty of other solutions to a sinking city - at best it's rats leaving a sinking ship.

Rather I suspect rats trying to make a killing

[kiwikeith]

21 hours ago, HHSAM said:

You should leave Hua Hin and go to one of the cities with amazing and wonderful service, prices and people. All bitter and twisted up.

I live in Huahin and I've noticed prices of food are way up, but this problem is world wide due to the war In Ukraine which sent food and petrol through the roof in NZ 

[newnative]

   Dumbest idea to come down the pike.  They can move the seat of government--very costly--but they still have to spend tons of money on top of that to protect the trillions of baht spent on Bangkok property.  And, building is still going on furiously.   Instead of building new, protect what is already here.   Somebody posted a good idea--hire the Dutch.  Money well-spent.

[KhunBENQ]

On 2/10/2025 at 10:32 PM, lordgrinz said:

Most of the rich Elites live in the lowest-lying areas, so you'll get to watch them squirm first if Bangkok goes underwater.

Rumor is that after the catastrophic flood of 2011 they have bought safe land/houses.

I look down on that from 230 m above

[hotsun]

Arent they also trying to change the name of bangkok to something else? Seems they are embarrassed by international perception on the name of their capital 

[Aussie999]

Haven't they had this debate previously..... must be time to fill up some bank accounts.
I think I know why they dislike farangs... we do NOT forget.

[Dcheech]

13 hours ago, kwilco said:

Other examples of  Authoritarian governments relocating capitals… Nigeria:

Pakistan: Karachi to Islamabad (1959)

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to Brasília (1960)

Lagos to Abuja (1991)

Kazakhstan: Almaty to Astana (1997)

Indonesia: Jakarta to Nusantara

Myanmar: Yangon to Naypyidaw (2005)

 Thailand: Bangkok to Petchaboon 1943

 

A forgotten historical footnote. Pibul got worried when the allies attacked Italy. He decided he wanted an inland capital and one more difficult to attack. He imported a bunch of Ban Nak issan workers who quickly succumbed to malaria 🫤.  When the war was over, told the allies, he was actually concerned that (his ally), Japan, might decide to occupy Thailand in force, like they finally did with French Indochina in 45. Heh. Whatever his defects, the man had a golden tongue. 

Pibul - A man with the rare ability to see 'wrong as right', according to a famous Thai mah do.     

 

[helloagain]

On 2/10/2025 at 4:11 PM, snoop1130 said:

 

 

Flooding in Bangkok | Photo via Bangkok Post/Somchai Poomlard

 

A proposal to move Thailand's capital from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima has sparked debate, as a government study highlights the high costs and complexity of such a project. The Interior Ministry reported that relocating the capital would require a significant budget and a public referendum. This suggestion came from Patchara Jantararuangtong, a member of the Pheu Thai Party, during a parliamentary session on October 12, 2023.

 

Opposition to the move points at strengthening infrastructure in Bangkok and nearby areas, which are at risk of sinking. On November 28, 2023, the Cabinet tasked the Interior Ministry with exploring two options: moving the capital or building a barrier to protect Bangkok.

 

The Cabinet reviewed these findings on February 4, 2024. Experts agree that any decision would need a comprehensive impact assessment, considering how businesses, jobs, and daily life might be affected.

 

 

 

The study recommends building a sea barrier or setting up regional centers to reduce the pressure on Bangkok's central agencies. It also evaluated infrastructure in Nakhon Ratchasima, focusing on its roads and high-speed rail links to other regions.

 

Further research on water resources is crucial for sustainable and eco-friendly development. The study also suggests examining capital relocations in other countries for more insights.

 

State officials are seeking funding to assess the impact of sea level rise on the Chao Phraya River and explore long-term solutions.

 

-- 2025-02-10

 

 

There are a few MAJOR canals like Panama Canal, Suez Canal that were dug out so how about rerouting the Bangkok canals before they get to Bangkok, in the long run must be cheaper. But yes, that is in conjunction with a huge sea wall that must be 50 klms long I am guessing. 

[Sigmund]

On 2/10/2025 at 11:35 PM, bkk6060 said:

They will never move it.

And, no way Hua Hin.  Also,  I find HH one of the better places in the country to live,  for service and friendly people.  Much better then Pattaya or Bangkok.

 

Are you a building contractor, house projet developper, salesman,  a business owner or similar by any chance ? 🤔

 

[kwilco]

3 hours ago, helloagain said:

There are a few MAJOR canals like Panama Canal, Suez Canal that were dug out so how about rerouting the Bangkok canals before they get to Bangkok, in the long run must be cheaper. But yes, that is in conjunction with a huge sea wall that must be 50 klms long I am guessing. 

The lack of cabals is why Bkk is sinking