BANGKOK — Banthat Thong, a street in Bangkok which runs 2.2 kilometres from its junction with Rama IV Road at Saphan Lueang Intersection through Pathum Wan and Ratchathewi districts, has turned into a golden opportunity for business and could become a flourishing pedestrian zone.
The “Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting For Life” event, which took place on 21-22 September on Banthat Thong Road in Pathumwan district, was a great success and was well received. Many called for this event to be held every weekend.
During these two days, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) transformed Banthat Thong into a pedestrian zone based on the concept of “organizing footpaths and transforming car-dominated streets into living spaces for people”
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Sanon Wangsrangboon, explained that the event was held as part of World Car Free Day on 22 September, with the aim of reducing the use of private cars and promoting public transportation.
The transformation of Banthat Thong into a pedestrian zone during the two-day event was very well received. People enjoyed walking safely and many suggested that this event should be held regularly. The aim of the BMA was to hear the public’s feedback on this event.
Surveys conducted during the event revealed a positive response, but feedback from all stakeholders, including Chulalongkorn College, local residents and businesses, will also be taken into account to assess the overall impact.
Extending this concept to other areas requires careful consideration to avoid traffic congestion. An earlier trial on Maha Rat Road in Phra Nakhon district showed minimal impact on traffic for a short period. Pedestrian zones have also been implemented in other districts.
“We will see which roads are suitable for car-free Sundays or weekends or even permanent pedestrian zones,” said Deputy Governor Sanon.
From Sports to Food Hotspot
Banthat Thong has evolved considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic as returning tourists flock to the check-in spots. The mismatch between supply and demand has led to the emergence of many new businesses. In addition, the Property Management Office (PMCU) of Chulalongkorn College has drawn up a 15-year plan for the development of the area to make Banthat Thong an economic hub.
Banthat Thong can be divided into three sections. The first is “Stadium One”, which is mainly visited by Thai consumers. The second area, around Jae Oh’s Restaurant, has become a hotspot for tourists, frequented by a mix of Thai visitors, and there are more and more popular restaurants. The final section, where Banthat Thong meets Rama IV Road, is mainly populated by Thai pedestrians, with parking lots frequented by office workers and food seekers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jittisak Thammapornpilas, Vice President for Asset and Physical Management, and Director of Chulalongkorn University’s Property Management Office, told ‘Prachachat Business’ that the area initially developed with university buildings and surrounding slums. The plan was to clear the slums and create organized shophouses, allowing external residents to rent space for housing and business.
In the past, Thais seldom lived in shophouses, which became predominantly occupied by Chinese residents from “Yaowarat” and “Talat Noi”, accustomed to living in shophouses, conducting business downstairs while living upstairs.
The area has seen a variety of businesses, with the food industry being particularly successful. Previously, food businesses were more spread out, unlike today’s concentrated zones around landmarks like “Chamchuri Square” and “Samyan Mitrtown”, both near Chulalongkorn University.
Before the park was built to commemorate Chulalongkorn’s 100th anniversary, Suan Luang-Banthat Thong was known for its used car parts market, where repair work often spilled out onto the streets and sidewalks. However, as the city developed, traffic became heavier and stores, including sports and auto parts stores, declined.
Supachalasai stadium also played a role in attracting sports stores to the area, but as new stadiums like Rajamangala came up and sports stores moved to malls, these stores also declined.
Social Media Boosts Popularity
Before COVID-19, efforts were made to densify the area, especially with Stadium One, which was originally intended to promote sports stores. However, the pandemic put paid to those plans, and instead the food scene in the area flourished.
Credit must be given to the rise of popular eateries in the area, like Jok Samyan, alongside new branches of famous restaurants, catering to late-night crowds.
“Chula-Samyan and Banthat Thong used to be quiet after 5 p.m., with only some areas open until 8 p.m. Now the restaurants in Stadium One serve as a meeting place for night workers, with a lively scene until 10.11 pm, leading to further growth,” said a representative.
As word spread on social media, the area saw an influx of international tourists, especially from China, Vietnam, and South Korea, attracted by the food. Banthat Thong has one advantage over Yaowarat: there are several parking lots for tour buses.
Social media trends also helped boost the area’s popularity, with influencers and YouTubers making it a must-visit destination for new restaurant openings.
The food business in the Suan Luang-Banthat Thong area generates an estimated 300-400 million baht ($9-12 million) annually. While this does not directly feed into Chulalongkorn College’s property management, it reflects the overall economic impact on tourism and social media presence.
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