Sanam Luang Landscaping From Feb 1

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Sanam Luang landscaping from Feb 1

Preparations continue to begin landscaping at Sanam Luang from February 1, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) now prohibiting cars and tour buses from parking there and some 10,000 pigeons moved to a Ratchaburi army camp.

BMA deputy governor Teerachon Manomai said Monday Sanam Luang - the big field adjacent to the Grand Palace and Thammasat University - would be sealed for 300 days unless an important royal ceremony required use of parts of it.

The field's south side would be a royal ceremonial ground, while the north side near the Pin Klao Bridge would be a plaza for public activity, he said.

City officials were also speeding up construction of two shelters for some 500 homeless people who normally sleep at Sanam Luang and prepare areas around Khlong Lod's north and south sides for these street hawkers, Teerachon said.

-- The Nation 2010-01-19

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[lazygourmet]

Two years ago for Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani funeral ceremonies, Sanam Luang was splendid:

[Meridian007]

I can't wait! I think this will be a great thing for beautifying Bangkok. I hope they plant a lot of trees, and make it into a real park instead of an ugly field.

I've heard many tourists wondering aloud why they would have such an ugly field next to the Grand Palace and Wat Po, as they trek from KSR to the palace. Hopefully this will attract more of the type of tourists that TAT wants, those who want to see the good side of Bangkok.

[whistleblower]

If it really is closed for landscaping then that is wonderful. But I think that is a ruse so the authorities can deny the red shirts a venue for their inevitable rallies they will hold in February!!!

[sbk]

10,000 pigeons? Really? ick, maybe they will stay at the army camp in ratchaburi when its finished