As a result of 2020 being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, the world has seemed to come to a halt.
However, this was not the case when it came to developments in Bangkok. This year -- probably the worst year for many -- was surprisingly a time when progress concerning mobility in Bangkok continued at a considerable pace, leading to positive changes in the quality of urban life.
Although the dream of many commuters to finally be able to carry a common ticket for all modes of transport was once again shattered this year, the city made progress in its transport network. For example, a new train line and an extension were launched two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Bang Sue Grand Station, which will be the largest train hub in Asean, is also nearing completion. Also, EV (electric vehicle) boats were introduced on the city's waterways. Moreover, efforts were also made by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to improve people's quality of life as green space was added and more will be created in the future in the central business district. Over the past year, Bangkok also became more cultural and artsy in its own way. Interestingly, graffiti, which is usually regarded as vandalism, was used as a tool to keep the city's blind spots under surveillance by community members instead of CCTVs.
Let's see just how much the city has changed over the past year.
Mobility
Bangkok's train network is growing fast as two more launches took place on Dec 16. One was the BTS Gold Line -- a driver-less train meant to serve as a feeder between BTS Krung Thonburi Station and Iconsiam at Klong San Station. Another kilometre is set to be added to extend the line so that it connects with the future MRT Purple Line's southern extension due to launch in 2023. Currently, the Gold Line is offering rides for free during a one-month trial period but afterwards, there be a flat rate of 15 baht per ride.
EV boats.
The other major development was the launch of the BTS Dark Green Line extension on the same day (Dec 16). After the launch of this service, Bangkok's rail network now boasts a vast network of rail lines that cover three provinces. The Dark Green Line runs between Kheha station in Samut Prakan all the way to the newly-opened Khu Khot in Pathum Thani through Bangkok.
The extension boasts about 1,750 parking spaces provided at Park-and-Ride buildings at two new stations -- Khu Khot and Yaek Kor Por Aor. However, many have questioned whether the buildings are too small to convince car users who live in hundreds of housing estates along the way to give up their cars and use an overpriced train service.
Moreover, besides trains going electric this year in Bangkok, so did the boats in the city. In late November, seven EV boats were introduced on Klong Phadung Krungkasem. Initiated by Krungthep Tanakom, the 5km route covers 11 piers between Hua Lamphong and Talad Thewarat. The route also connects with other modes of public transport at four spots: the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Thewarat Market, Saen Saeb Boat at the Ministry of Energy, trains at Hua Lamphong Station as well as the metro system at Hua Lamphong Station. Each boat can accommodate 30 passengers and one wheelchair. The service is free during the first six-month trial period and a fare of under 10 baht will be introduced once it is in full-service next year.
Last week, another EV boat service, MINE Smart Ferry, by the Ministry of Transport was introduced on the Chao Phraya River. During the first phase, six boats will serve as a commuter service between Rama V and Sathon Bridge only in the morning and evening rush hour on weekdays and as a tourist service on weekends. By next April, a total of 27 boats are expected to be in service. The trial phase will run until mid-February and is free, however, the fare is expected to be 20 baht per ride once this ends.
With such a fast pace of progress, the life of a Bangkok commuter seems promising, however, considering the stark contrast in the expansion of an overpriced train network and the halving of an affordable but inefficient bus fleet as well as adding inadequate boat services in the city's numerous potential waterways, commuters are being forced to either overpay or spend an excessive amount of time to move around.
Green Space
After almost three decades, an unfinished structure -- which was supposed to cross the Chao Phraya River -- was finally converted into the Phra Pokklao Skypark at the end of June and connects the Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides.
Phra Pokklao Skypark.
The Skypark-cum-foot-bridge, which crosses the river, has been nicknamed Saphan Duan, derived from its unfinished structure. Saphan Duan was originally planned as the country's first Skytrain -- the Lavalin project --approved in 1984. However, the project was abandoned in 1992, leaving the structure only crossing the river half-way.
The new bridge is a part of an effort by the BMA to increase green spaces and make a new landmark that connects the modern side of Bangkok with its traditional Thonburi counterpart. The project was also part of a plan to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the city in 2030.
The bridge, set to be an alternative route for pedestrians to cross the river and a new leisure spot, is about 280 metres long and 8.5m wide. The structure also features seats, which makes it perfect for morning and evening hangouts. This is also a path connecting the Chaloem Phrakiet Forest Park on the Thonburi side and King Prajadhipok Park on the Phra Nakhon side.
The space is reserved only for pedestrians so bicycling or e-scootering isn't allowed but walking a bike or scooter to cross the river is possible.
Pom Mahakan Park.
Apart from the unique Skypark, the BMA also completed another beautification project in Pom Mahakan Park. After an eviction in mid-2018, the BMA bulldozed dozens of mature trees and wooden houses into a five-rai lawn by the canal. However, this winter, city residents saw another "landscape improvement" between Feb 2019 and Aug 2020 that cost the agency 68 million baht. Like it or not, the Pom Mahakan Park, which once resembled a forest in the city, has now become a colourful garden for selfies.
Despite these efforts, Bangkok continues to have a low ratio of green spaces per individual, lower than 9 square-metres per individual recommended by the World Health Organization. Klong Chong Nonsi Linear Park is another effort to boost the city's image and to increase the ratio of green spaces from the current 7.09 sqm per person to 10sqm by 2030. The linear park, totalling 4.5km, spans between Surawong and Rama III Roads. The first 1.2km phase is expected to be completed next April and will run between Surawong and Silom roads.
Culture and Quality of Life
Seeing how Klong Ong Ang is spotless and open for public use today, first-timers to this part of the old town could never imagine how the area had looked for over two decades. This section of the canal had always been treated as an irrigation system as part of a semi-permanent metal illegal structure at Saphan Lek Market, famous among toy enthusiasts.
People kayaking and paddleboarding in Klong Ong Ang. Photo: Somchai Poomlard
It wasn't until mid-2015 when City Hall launched a clean-up campaign -- supported by the National Council for Peace and Order -- to reclaim the space for public use. Saphan Lek Market, which is a part of Klong Rob Krung (a canal in old town), was one of the targets. The undocumented vendors were evicted and the illegal structures were demolished in 2018, paving the way for the new city landmark -- Klong Ong Ang.
From being a stuffy area, the illegal market was dismantled and the location became an open space in mid-2018, ready for the Loy Krathong Festival in November that same year. Since then, the area has been under a major revamp and has been transformed into a new public space for recreational activities. The canal water has been cleaned and the walkways on both sides between Osathanon and Damrongsathit bridges, totalling 1.5km, are well-lit and neatly paved with concrete. The walls are painted with street art which tells stories of bygone days. These days, the area is not only home to the weekend market in winter, but also a pier for kayaking on the 6.4km route to Bang Lamphu.
As a result, some have hailed the face-lifted section as Korean Cheonggyecheon, while others have named it the Dutch Amstel.
However, many people have questioned if the invented events are relevant. But they are hoping that the landscape development of the 750m Klong Ong Ang will not just be a showcase to impress the public as the Bangkok gubernatorial election is approaching but a pilot project that will soon expand the whole 7km of Klong Rob Krung and other canals throughout the capital in future.
Apart from Klong Ong Ang being the talk-of-the-town, another effort by the BMA to improve people's quality of life was also seen via the BMA spokesperson's social media.
Earlier this month, BMA spokesperson Pongsakorn Kwanmuang shared photos of himself skateboarding on social media at a new park in Suan Rotfai or Wachirabenjathat Park. In the past, skateboarders had to hang out in dark areas like under the expressway. The spokesperson boasted that the new space, open from 6am to 8.30pm, was safe, friendly and perfect for people of all ages. An affordable annual membership fee of 40 baht for adults and 10 baht for children makes it possible for anyone to join the club. In fact, Pongsakorn went as far saying that the space will be a place where athletes could practise, so that they can join the Olympics.
Again, many are curious if the park was built only to impress the public. We are hoping this will be a pilot park and that the concept will be expanded to other neighbourhoods.
