Tag: river

  • Bangkok’s $29M Green Transit: New Pedestrian, Cycling Bridge to Span Chao Phraya River

    Bangkok’s $29M Green Transit: New Pedestrian, Cycling Bridge to Span Chao Phraya River

    Bangkok’s local government recently announced a THB1 billion (US$29 million) project to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Chao Phraya River. The project, led by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, aims to provide greener transportation alternatives to residents and visitors, with the goal of completion by 2030.

    Connecting Bangkok’s Historic Districts

    The planned bridge will connect the city’s MRT network with pedestrian pathways, providing an urban landmark that promotes a sustainable pedestrian environment. This will link the two historic districts of Songwat and Khlong San. The existing river crossings have been a problem for pedestrians and cyclists, as they’re primarily designed for heavy vehicle traffic. The ferry services’ operation hours are limited, leaving non-motorized commuters with few and frequently unsafe options.

    Governor Chadchart stated that the project aligns with his administration’s objective of developing people-centric infrastructure in conjunction with the city’s main road network. “The city needs a landmark, a bridge across the Chao Phraya River specifically for pedestrians and cyclists since there are enough bridges for cars,” he stated. The Governor also noted that this project would contribute positively to the local community economy and help bridge the gap between the historically overlooked Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts.

    A New Urban Legacy

    The planned bridge will span 300 meters and be up to 10 meters wide. The project planners have assured that no further land appropriation would be necessary, thus reducing disruption to long-standing riverside communities. The design includes plans to utilize rooftop spaces on adjoining buildings for community shops and street food vendors to help promote local businesses.

    Pichai Wongwaisayawan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Bangkok University, referred to the bridge as crucial “social infrastructure”. Rather than just providing a physical crossing, the bridge connects people, cultures, and transportation systems. “The real value of this bridge is in its ability to connect all transport systems – trains, boats, walkways, or bicycles,” said Pichai. He added that the city needs an interconnected network of public spaces more than landmarks. If the bridge becomes the start of a network of riverfront walkways linking communities and public transit, it will serve as an enduring urban legacy.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the new bridge project in Bangkok?
    The bridge is designed to provide green transportation options for residents and tourists, linking two historic districts and connecting the city’s MRT network with pedestrian pathways.

    How will this project impact the local community?
    The project is expected to boost the local community economy by including plans for community shops and street food vendors. It also aims to bridge the gap between the Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts, which were often overlooked in the past.

    What is the expected completion date for this project?
    The bridge is targeted for completion by 2030.

  • ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM, the mega city project of futuristic living and an iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity on the Chao Phraya River, held the inauguration ceremony for Thailand’s new global attraction on the Chao Phraya River known as the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features”, which is one of the Seven Wonders of ICONSIAM. The city project is the result of the collaboration of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Bangkok River Partners, the Association of Chao Phraya Commerce, the Thai Shipping Association as well as other related agencies and organisations.

    At over 400 metres, it is the longest water dance in Southeast Asia featuring a combination of light, colour, sound and multimedia and set in front of beautiful vistas across the Chao Phraya River. It seeks to glorify and highlight the grandeur of the river for the world to be impressed while attracting local and international visitors to the Chao Phraya River.

    Held at River Park, ICONSIAM, the opening ceremony was attended by the most distinguished people from agencies, organisations, and associations playing an important role in driving tourism in Thailand forward, together with business partners of ICONSIAM as well as many celebrities who joined to witness the momentous occasion.

    Among the well-known celebrities present were the Gubgib-Bie-Pao Pao family, Esther Supreeleela, ‘Ken’ Phupoom Pongpanupak, AF alumni namely Nim, Tee, Baimon, Focus, Mac, Ploysai, Bass, Jackie, Ice, ‘Jeab’ Sopidnapa Chumpanee Dabbaransi, ‘Mona’ Wipawee Korman, ‘Jan’ Siranuj Rojanasatien, Ploy Mahadumrongkul, ‘Kat’ Wantita Lewchalermwong, ‘Ming’ Suwara Sanitwong Na Ayudhya, ‘Yingair’ M.R. Chanladda Yukol, Lina Leenutapong Amornsiri and Jarudej Boonyasit, and many more.

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM marks the bringing to life of the concept of ‘Creating Shared Value’ on a scale as never before been seen anywhere in the world.

    The ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ was announced 5 years ago, pioneering a historical and national collaboration among multiple different enterprises, the government and private sectors, historic locations, civil society, 5-star hotels and communities along the riverside.

    Since its launch, there have been many collaborations, with the best example being the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 and its fireworks display which was viewed by more 1.5 million people.

    ICONSIAM itself welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in a single day for the event. The event brought fame to Thailand and let the world witness the grandeur and beauty of the Chao Phraya River via the world’s leading media such as CNN, BBC, and Reuters. This is a part of the collaborations envisaged in the ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ to help make the Chao Phraya River a significant global destination for tourism.”

    ICONSIAM is a city that is the centre of a vast array of wonders in art and culture. It offers the best in shopping and entertainment made possible through the collaboration of business organisations that are both big and small.

    A lot of individuals have come together from different professions. They share a desire to build a venue where all that makes Thais can be presented in the most exquisite way possible. They come together to build a new icon which will become a mega phenomenon that will epitomise ‘Creating Shared Value’, uniting all stakeholders and spreading prosperity to communities, society and the nation. This is embodied in every element within ICONSIAM, and especially the seven wonders.