The Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue is being surveyed for a spot to build an underground car park as part of a long-term solution to crowded city roads, according to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning.

Chief of the office, Chaiwat Tongkamkoon, said his staff and those from City Hall have surveyed parts of the historic avenue and found an area under the UN building to be most suitable for an underground parking lot able to handle to more than 1,000 cars and tourist buses.

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue is where many government buildings and tourist attractions are located. A large parking area is needed to serve visitors to the United Nations office, the Government House, ministries, army headquarters and the Ratchadamnoen Thai boxing arena. The road is also located near the Royal Plaza, which also requires plenty of parking space close by.

Turning to Bangkok more broadly, Mr Chaiwat said state agencies might need to work together to relieve traffic jams along roads where new city rail systems are being built. Commuters would have to be shuttled to railway stations quickly. Boats would help transport commuters to stations near Saen Saep canal.

Shuttle bus options are being explored, along with plans to open up dead-end sois to create new shortcuts between the main roads. Ramkhamhaeng Soi 118 is among those eyed for the plan as it could open a new link to Srinakarin Road.