A new parking structure could be erected near riverfront Nagaraphirom Park to serve tourists visiting Rattanakosin Island’s numerous cultural-heritage sites.
The proposed car park was discussed during Wednesday's first meeting of a committee assigned to protect and develop the island which is home to the Grand Palace.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the committee's chairman, said the parking structure would be able to accommodate 700 vehicles.
The plan will be submitted to the cabinet later. No details were available on the cost of the structure or the agency that will take charge of the project.
Parking space has been a critical issue for visitors to the Grand Palace, especially after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration banned tour buses around Sanam Luang in May 2013. The coaches now have to park at the old Southern bus terminal. Only smaller vehicles are allowed to drop off or pick up passengers near the palace.
Gen Prawit said this project would be treated urgently to solve the traffic problems and add convenience for tourists. He also ruled out an earlier BMA proposal for an underground car park at Sanam Luang due to the area's historical and cultural significance.
Ironically, the proposed multi-storey car park would be built where the Internal Trade Department and Public Warehouse Organisation once stood. Those buildings were demolished to give visitors an unobstructed view of the Grand Palace on one side of the river and the Temple of Dawn on the other.
Tourists relax at riverfront Nagaraphirom Park. (Bangkok Post file photo)