Famous architect offers his design for Chao Phraya promenade
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL Artist on Architecture, Sumet Jumsai na Ayudhya, has presented his plan for a Chao Phraya riverside promenade to the prime minister, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has agreed to permit the public to participate in the project.

Sumet submitted his alternative model for the riverside walkway together with examples of similar projects in Australia and Canada, plus a letter to the prime minister with suggestions.

His design focuses on the traditional Thai way of living in harmony with the river.

In his riverside promenade, there is a pedestrian walkway and floating houses along the shoreline. This resembles a floating market and traditional housing of Thai people in the past.

According to his secretary, the letter and his design were sent to the prime minister but there had been no response from the government yet.

Work on the project, which aims to give a new face to the river, is expected to start this year and conclude by 2017.

Yesterday, a BMA source said the office had not ignored opposing voices from academics and the public, saying it has been open to any suggestions to improve the project.

The source said the plan has already been amended - to be 12 metres wide. Moreover, it guaranteed that the structure of the promenade would not block the river flow or riverside scenery.

The BMA has given its assurance that local communities' way of life will not be affected, as locals would be able to take part in the project as well.

The office said five communities near Krung Thon Bridge in Dusit district would be most affected, as there were many houses that encroach on the river - up to 30-40 metres from the bank.

However, the BMA had already held talks with the communities. Residents had agreed to move out and did not object to the project as the BMA had accepted conditions to compensate them for relocating to elsewhere - offering new cheap accommodation, taking care of education for children in the communities and taking care of the residents' quality of life.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Famous-architect-offers-his-design-for-Chao-Phraya-30261468.html

-- The Nation 2015-06-03

vely nice

What side of the river is this on - City side or Taksin side??

Looks like a slum, Yodpiman walk is far better

sumet jumsai na ayadahya

famous architect indeed with such shining accomplishments as the elephant building and the robot building.

shame this one never got built

http://notthenation.com/2010/06/architect-sumet-jumsai-to-create-new-building-in-the-shape-of-his-own-penis/

sumet jumsai na ayadahya

famous architect indeed with such shining accomplishments as the elephant building and the robot building.

shame this one never got built

http://notthenation.com/2010/06/architect-sumet-jumsai-to-create-new-building-in-the-shape-of-his-own-penis/

You do know that, "notthenation" is a parody site? Lately a handful of commenters are using this site to quote as a source.

Suai maak, maak!

Sorry sport lanes and wide with higher elevated level is a much better plan..

There are enough floating markets now...

If u go on the BKK klongs u can see 1000000 of these waterfront homes why rebuilt them ?

sumet jumsai na ayadahya

famous architect indeed with such shining accomplishments as the elephant building and the robot building.

shame this one never got built

http://notthenation.com/2010/06/architect-sumet-jumsai-to-create-new-building-in-the-shape-of-his-own-penis/

You do know that, "notthenation" is a parody site? Lately a handful of commenters are using this site to quote as a source.

yes mike, thank you. one does hope you are aware that the elephant and robot buildings are, in fact, real.

The BMA sound like they're talking thru their a#$% re: how all the affected communities are happy about it. BMA have form when it comes to not giving a crap about Bangkoks poorer folk.

The whole discussion and planning for renovating the Chao Phraya riverfront is very charming and invigorating. But I'd rather see more effort first put towards flood control infrastructure in and around Bangkok. The floods waters and high tides of 2011 along the Chao Phraya would wash away this promenade in a flash.

Let's secure the waterfront first so that a sustainable development can be accomplished.