Transport authorities are planning four underground parking sites in the historical Rattanakosin Island area to address the lack of parking space and ease traffic congestion.
Very few parking spaces are available for visitors to tourist attractions and government offices in the area, said Chartchai Thipsunawee, permanent secretary for Transport. Consequently, the Transport Ministry, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have been discussing remedies.
They have four locations in mind that should be sufficient for 1,400 vehicles, he said.
At Romaneenart Park next to the Grand Palace, a five-rai plot is available for four levels of underground parking for 700 vehicles.
At the Navy Club on Maharat Road, there is an eight-rai plot that could accommodate two floors of underground parking for visitors to the Grand Palace. Tour coaches could be parked at ground level and private vehicles underground, Mr Chartchai said.
The third area stretches from the Jor Por Ror intersection to the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem canal. Underground parking there could serve visitors to the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and local government offices.
The other location is at the Royal Turf Club but he did not elaborate on it.