Report Tumbling Tastes: Bangkok's Banthat Thong Hits Hard Times

[webfact]

Video screenshot for reference only

 

Banthat Thong Road, once a thriving culinary hotspot in Bangkok's Pathumwan district, is experiencing a sharp decline. Once transformed into a vivacious food haven by the efforts of Chulalongkorn University's development initiatives, it is now witnessing a downturn that paints a stark contrast to its former glory.

 

The decline is characterised by dwindling foot traffic, shuttered businesses, and a noticeable decrease in the vibrant energy that once defined the area.

 

Previously bustling with tens of thousands of visitors daily, Banthat Thong is suffering due to the significant drop in tourists, particularly those from China, who were key patrons.

 

Photographs taken last Friday depict an eerily quiet street, with several closed shopfronts and empty restaurants signalling the economic plight faced by local business owners. Once drawing in revenue of about 250 to 500 baht per visitor, the street now sees a 40% drop in footfall, with daily earnings plummeting to 3 to 4 million baht amid a sluggish economy.

 

Junjira Prajongjud, a regular visitor, highlights the stark decline in visitor numbers and notes that food prices have risen, while quality remains unpredictable.

 

Practical issues, such as limited parking and walkable spaces, have exacerbated the downturn, leading to decreased customer attraction despite former congestion. Banthat Thong’s vibrancy is further threatened by rising costs and practical challenges that have left the pavements too quiet.

 

Ratchanon Weerawat, owner of Nazty BKK, elaborates on these challenges, citing exorbitant rent, unclean conditions, and ineffective waste management as factors undermining the area’s allure.

 

Despite these hurdles, his business remains buoyant due to a strategic mix of social media marketing, influencer collaborations, and intimate concerts. These efforts have built a loyal clientele, ensuring his bar continues to operate successfully even amid declining tourist numbers.

 

While the future bears uncertainty, with rising rents and changing consumer behaviours presenting ongoing hurdles, there is hope for recovery.

 

Strong marketing strategies, public-private cooperation, and loyal community support may steer Banthat Thong back to being one of Bangkok's gastronomic jewels.

 

For those who remain optimistic, the revitalisation of the area could hinge on economic improvements and a rebound in tourism, creating a flourishing food destination once more.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-04

 

 

[impulse]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Junjira Prajongjud, a regular visitor, highlights the stark decline in visitor numbers and notes that food prices have risen, while quality remains unpredictable.  

 

Ratchanon Weerawat, owner of Nazty BKK, elaborates on these challenges, citing exorbitant rent, unclean conditions, and ineffective waste management as factors undermining the area’s allure.

 

The place got popular so they jacked up rents and prices but didn't maintain quality.  Now, it's not a good value.

 

All of Thailand could take a lesson here.

 

[Quentin Zen]

29 minutes ago, webfact said:

significant drop in tourists,

 

easy come, easy go.   don't bite the hand that feeds you.    Lesson number 9723403472042.   Seen this in CM as well over the last few centuries, every week, every year, all the time, never ends.    thanks for playing

[kingstonkid]

LOCATION LOCATION

 

Most tourists stop at MBK and with all the restaurants there they really don't need to go any further.

 

There has to be more of a reason for people to walk that far out of the way.

 

 

 

[Thingamabob]

Only Chinese will accept the mess that pervades Banthat Thong. No Chinese, no business.

[Woke to Sounds]

Another sad reminder of the havoc that Corvid Nineteen wracked.

 

Godspeed chefs and influencers  🙏

[Yagoda]

As I have said before, Ive never been there, too ordinary for tourists, too expensive for residents, tons of better places.

[hotchilli]

On 6/4/2025 at 7:50 AM, impulse said:

 

The place got popular so they jacked up rents and prices but didn't maintain quality.  Now, it's not a good value.

 

All of Thailand could take a lesson here.

 

Yeah, took a once thriving foody area, spiced it up, jacked up the prices and then wondered where everyone went...

[SOTIRIOS]

...Another 'Legend In Their Own Minds'.....(?)

[Ctkong]

Used to go for good food at somboon seafood located at soi 8 and Paiboon chaozhou restaurant along main road but not anymore after moving to bangna location. Similar restaurants nearby so no need to brave the traffic and parking problem anymore. 

[BangkokReady]

On 6/4/2025 at 7:50 AM, impulse said:

All of Thailand could take a lesson here.

 

Quite.  Many don't seem to realise that people like Thailand because it is cheap.  Putting up prices and expecting "high quality tourists" to flood in is not a sound plan.