Radical Makeover of Chao Phraya River Delayed
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


Fourteen kilometers of a concrete ‘promenade’ lining both sides of the mighty Chao Phraya river - to cost 14 billion baht - could prove a first phase of a larger 50-kilometer project proposed by the ruling junta. Photo: Matichon

BANGKOK — An ambitious and costly redevelopment project of the capital city’s greatest natural feature has been delayed after only one company was left in the running to get it started.

Two of the three consulting firms which had bid on the 14 billion-baht Chao Phraya river promenade dropped out since August, leaving only developer Panya Consultants Co. Ltd., said city official Pinit Lertudomthana, which means the project is on hold as the law requires a competitive bid, Daily News reported.

The contract, worth 120 million baht, was to consult for seven months on preparing a feasibility study of the 14-kilometer walkway spanning both sides of the river from the Pinklao to Rama VII bridges.

The winning firm would research how the project would impact the environment, city plan, waterflow and communities. It would also organize local hearings and conduct an environmental impact assessment before the project went for formal approval.

Should the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reopen bidding, it will need to adjust the project to appeal to more firms, Pinit said.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1446468295


-- Khaosod English 2015-11-03

Look at that picture, they allready put the streetlanterns on the middle of the sidewalk

If you even can't develop a sidewalk on a brand new walkway then you should get sacked....Let some foreigners do it.

What is going on! Good General said do this, so get it done you bureaucratic a.holes

If this is ever built, it will be the unofficial motorcycle expressway into the heart of Bangkok (since motorbikes can't use the official expressway). Whoopee, let's go!

If this is ever built, it will be the unofficial motorcycle expressway into the heart of Bangkok (since motorbikes can't use the official expressway). Whoopee, let's go!

Yes they should also change that, big bikes can easy go on expressways, small bikes not.

And fast bicycles need a separate lane, dogs need a dedicated area to shit as well. Women with high heels won't walk on grass and where are the raised flowerbeds and bins?

Again, they should let a farang design this. Also in our hi-so moobaan which is brand new they made very crappy sidewalks so we all walk on the road. Now they even made loads of electric wire connectionboxes (plastic ones) in the new pavement....

Look at that picture, they allready put the streetlanterns on the middle of the sidewalk

If you even can't develop a sidewalk on a brand new walkway then you should get sacked....Let some foreigners do it.

Thais do indeed seem to think side walks are the places you put the street light poles, trees, park or ride your motorcycle, setup your vendor stand, and most any other obstruction.

No need sidewalk to walk; have road. Besides, who walks...that's what motorcycle taxis, auto taxis, cars, etc., are for.

Look at that picture, they allready put the streetlanterns on the middle of the sidewalk

If you even can't develop a sidewalk on a brand new walkway then you should get sacked....Let some foreigners do it.

Thais do indeed seem to think side walks are the places you put the street light poles, trees, park or ride your motorcycle, setup your vendor stand, and most any other obstruction.

No need sidewalk to walk; have road. Besides, who walks...that's what motorcycle taxis, auto taxis, cars, etc., are for.

Exactly! And since Thai don't travel because they can't speak english or only sit in a coach all day in Europe they will never understand what the function of good sidewalks is.

This huge project is especially designed for walking/cycling along the river. It will make BKK a more lively place where people can meat eachother in a green relaxing environment with fresh air.

Then why did they rent this cheap under-educated designer to make a render of it? I bet he is Thai and has never walked in a nice city abroad himself.

I really like the idea of this project and it will put BKK on the map again if it's done properly. But without the help of farang it's doomed allready.

perhaps incentive delay?

In a drowning city large walls might yield more long term results

not enough brown bag money offered.

consulting firms not interested, no money for them after pay-offs.

The light poles are in the middle of the walk way for a reason. That is so the stall for selling the usual crap can use it to hold up the old tarpaulin to cover all his merchandise and then they can cut into the poles electrics to get power to their stalls. You farangs just never understand do you

I'm all in favor of usable public space on the river's edge.

I'm not in favor of "channelizing" the Chao Phraya River.

Besides, the original proposal also had elements such as throwing out the poor people, and turning the land over to developers.

The planners should be talking in terms of a greenway, which has elements designed to absorb and attenuate floods, as well as a diversity of public spaces (not just a walkway). For example, a string of mini parks on each side, which double as flood retention zones.

one firm has paid the other firms off to not compete. this is quite common in Thailand.

one firm has paid the other firms off to not compete. this is quite common in Thailand.

Another HUB on hold

Any walkway should be between Saphan Taksin and Rama VIII bridge, first of all. This proposed walkway is not even in the nicest looking bit of river front. As earlier posters said... a foreigner needs to design it if it is to be decent...

120M for feasibility consulting? Give it to me and I'll give a "no" in 1s flat.