The rise and fall of Klong Ong Ang

Photos of the depressing state of Klong Ong Ang, a canal in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong that was once hailed as an example of successful urban revitalization, recently surfaced on social media, igniting rumors that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) under Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is no longer interested in the project.

The Bangkok Post visited the river to find out why the project is deteriorating and if Klong Ong Ang still has hope.

THE Growth

Saphan Lek Market has been a part of the Klong Ong Ang region since 1983. Over 500 suppliers selling various products have since called the region home.

Suppliers were frequently forced to move their stores to the road in front of their stores because of the lack of space and the presence of building regulations. When that proved to be limited, they turned their places to the river, building clauses over the water.

In 2015, therefore- Bangkok government Aswin Kwanmuang initiated a task to revitalise the village. In accordance with the plan, the BMA restored the walkways and improved transportation flow along the river for pedestrians.

The management cleaned up the river and constructed a 1.5-kilometer boulevard that runs from Saphan Lek, or Damrong Sathit gate to Osathanon gate, for about 400 million ringgit.

The band was transformed into a walking city with shops, street artwork, and public green spaces, drawing in visitors from all over the town and boosting local economies ‘ income.

The task even improved the canal’s water excellent, allowing visitors to take part in waters- related activities, such as kayaking and paddle- boarding.

The Klong Ong Ang revitalization job won the United Nations ‘ Asian Townscape Award only five years after its launch and was praised as a model for urban community development initiatives.

THE Disintegration

The latest Bangkok government, however, does not seem to promote the same enthusiasm for common spaces as his father.

People are concerned about the future of Klong Ong Ang after many images of its deteriorating state appear digitally. Some of the images depict improperly parking cars on newly built footpaths, poor people sleeping along the river, and decaying art setups.

Last Friday, Kriangyos Sudlabha, United Thai Nation Party ( UTN) MP and former deputy governor of Bangkok, led journalists to survey the area. He demanded that the BMA take action to protect the river, which he claimed is” suffering from neglect,” making it less appealing to tourists.

Mr. Kriangyos noted that along Klong Ong Ang, the water excellent has declined. He continued,” The pursuits along the walking streets were not given any attention because components of its walkways were occupied by poor people.”

Since hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in the project, City Hall does n’t need to host many events in the area, but it cannot leave the place like this, he said.

Chadchart Sittipunt, the government of Bangkok, rejected the neglect claim.

He argued that bringing in vendors from other parts of the city wo n’t help the neighborhood and that only local vendors could trade on the walking street.

Similar to Pak Klong Talat and Talat Noi, where the city’s distinctive traits and personality are promoted, Mr. Chadchart said.

THE Real

Thanawat Ekchayangkoon, a 61- yr- old merchant in the village, has been working there since it was also known as Saphan Lek.

Economic activities in the neighbourhood sharply declined during the Covid- 19 pandemic, but now that the pandemic has ended, the economy here does n’t seem to be recovering, he said.

Klong Ong Ang has received fewer consideration since the novel governor’s administration. As a result, the number of visitors to the region has declined, as” there is nothing interesting to do here”, he said.

” Pollution along the river is much worse than before.” There’s a lot of debris, and the ocean is stagnant”, he said.

Jeab, a resident, said she used to travel here to enjoy various activities practically every weekend. Then, she said, the place is filthy, and street food vendors are leaving. She urged everyone in charge of the administration to keep order.

THE Comment

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, a spokeswoman for BMA, refuted states that the government had taken care of the area. He claimed that the authorities are working to make the area a responsible tourist destination.

According to Mr. Aekvarunyoo,” we are looking into plans to develop a lasting operation plan for Klong Ong Ang.”

The BMA is working with the Public Works, Drainage and Sewerage, Environment, Culture Sports &amp, Tourism, Social Development, City Planning and Urban Development sections to create Klong Ong Ang into a holiday destination.

Mr. Chadchart wants to strengthen the community by assisting business owners in running their businesses more effectively and with recognizable goods that honor the area’s distinctive regional identity.

To make Klong Ong Ang Canal a romantic getaway with creative floral plans over the water, the BMA wants to work with flower suppliers in Pak Klong Talat and Poh Chang Academy of Arts.

Klong Ong Ang may also be a part of the plan to improve the relationships between the Thon Buri and Phra Nakhon towns via Chao Phraya Sky Park.

The city’s green areas, roads and riding lanes will even undergo development for the benefit of tourists, the official said.