Bangkok:- Bangkok, the now 223-year-old capital, is preparing to rehabilitate its old-town zones for its 250th anniversary.

Kadi Chin – Klong San is the first of the 17 zones to undergo the rehabilitation.

“We launched the efforts since last December,” Deputy Bangkok Governor Jumpol Sumpaopol said, “While we seek to conserve the old town’s way of life, we also take into account the need to improve quality of life and space management. And we are listening to the voice of locals”.

According to him, the rehabilitation starts with the deliberative process in which public consultation takes place and all stakeholders are invited to speak up.

Kadi Chin (Kudi Chin) – Klong San areas sit on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. With their history tracing back to more than two centuries ago, the zones are a cradle of cultural heritage. Located in the zones are historically-important religious sites such as the Santa Cruz Church, and the residences of historical figures. The late HRH Highness Princess Srinakarin, the mother of the current Thai monarch, spent her childhood in Kadi Chin community.

The community has enjoyed cultural and religious diversity. In addition to the church, the community has also had mosques and temples. Many local residents have had Portuguese descent while others have different ethnicities.

According to Jumpol, forums to gather opinions from all stakeholders regarding the rehabilitation of Kadi Chin (Kudi Chin) – Klong San have attracted more than 295 participants in recent months.

Chulalongkorn University’s Urban Design and Development Centre has been the advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s project to rehabilitate the 17 old-town zones.

Certainly a good idea to maitain the historical past.

It would be nice to see if restoration is done with complete financial transparency.