Chao Phraya Promenade Should be Sent Back to Drawing Board, Architects Say
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


Bangkok's Chao Phaya river in a 2009 photograph. Photo: Emilio Labrador / Flickr

BANGKOK — Those opposed to spending 14 billion baht to line the Chao Phraya river with concrete promenades will hold a discussion about the river’s future next week, as the national Architect Council says the controversial plan is fundamentally flawed.

On Nov. 25, the Friends of the River will celebrate Loy Krathong by hosting a discussion of the river and its affected communities from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in Santichai Prakan Public Park.

“You are invited to float a krathong representing our 14 billion-baht to oppose the Chao Phraya Promenade, which would lead to the inefficient use of the country’s money,” the group wrote online.

On Tuesday, architects from the kingdom’s top advisory body said the 14-billion baht project should be amended to focus on the use of public space along the river rather than being focused solely on the concrete promenade.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1447845187&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2015-11-19

Whatever the issue it will probably be fast tracked like all projects become in Thailand , however the Architects on this one have my vote, having use of public space along the river instead of a concrete paving nightmare and how we know oh so well the talents of these specialist pavement layers.................... .

They have spent a fortune on Yod Piman near the flower market.

One of the biggest wastes of money, imo, ever.

The place is deserted.

As the poster above says when the moneys sorted it will move very fast , opposition or not.

it may be that the right people have not been given the right sort of money

you can be sure of one thing though, it will likely be a huge embarassment ot all concerned at the end when it begins to flood and fall into the river.

They have spent a fortune on Yod Piman near the flower market.

One of the biggest wastes of money, imo, ever.

The place is deserted.

And there's one more down the river towards Saphan Thaksin just as deserted. :-)

I don't think they will be able to pull it off at all most properties by the chaopraya river are private properties and many are hotels and condominiums or other businesses using their river access somehow. There will be so many heavily fundedo businesses opposing it that will pursue legal actions, this project will be put on hold indefinitely.

The Architect Council is spot on - no doubt given an architect's flair for imagination, environmental compatibility and utility. Improving the Chao Phraya Riverfront must go beyond an amateurish concrete promenade. This is not the place for a military-like bulkwork!

More emphasis needs to be placed on Green Space, pedestrian access and compatibility with riverfront residents, attractions, traffic (both commercial and industrial) and enterprises - in other words, comprehensive planning.

I would expect a military government to think in terms of strategic objectives instead of quick victories. But maybe its needs for propaganda and plans for a short existence drives it to pursue quick public acclaim.