Districts to exploit their ‘creative economy’ under BMA intend to reboot growth,
Aiming to revive the city, the particular Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will promote the distinct features and local specialties of each neighbourhood to enhance economic activity and tourism in Bangkok.
Bangkok is heavily dependent on income from tourism. So , it had been no surprise that the town was hit by the collapse of the tourism industry during Covid-19. As visitors gradually return, Bangkok’s administrative team led by the new governor Chadchart Sittipunt seeks to use this opportunity to reboot the city’s primary economic engine simply by bringing out Bangkok’s local charms.
Renewed community spirit
Bangkok mouthpiece governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said the BMA chaired a committee meeting in Come july 1st with a view to teasing out the “creative economy” potential of each district.
The aim would be to encourage communities to join a development plan to combine community zones with tourist routes. “Everyone must take part, ” said Mister Sanon.
The development program is linked to various other projects including tourism, economic stimulation and community development. Some areas also offer day-trip activities.
The BMA released a pilot plan on Talat Phlu Market in Thon Buri district; Talat Charoen Krung 103 Market in Beat Kholaem district; Talat Nam Taling Chan Market-Song Klong Floating Market in Taling Chan district; Huatakhe community in Bekv?m Krabang district.
Others are Trok Dilok Chan in Klong San region; Bang Khae Phirom Market in Boom Khae district; Rama II in Bang Khunthian district; Chatuchak market in Chatuchak district; and the Phadung Krung Kasem canal-Nang Loeng in Pomprap Sattruphai district.
Still other medication is the Haroon Mosque community in Boom Rak district; Imod Ta Noi Marketplace in Thung Kru district and Sai Mai Road in Bang Sue area. In Samphanthawong region, they are Plaeng Nam Road and Phadung Krung Kasem canal-Noi market. The Saphan Han-Ong Ang canal in Samphanthawong plus Phra Nakhon districts are also involved.
Each area office has been given suggestions for developing local tourism activities to exhibit clear routes plus activities, Mr Sanon said.
“We should encourage people to initiate activities in local communities to strengthen the area itself, to be supported by district offices, ” said Mr Sanon. “It is also a good chance to advertise street food vendors and local items to draw visitors. ”
Mr Sanon stated the BMA has guidelines to promote the road food project. It is going to elevate street foods by working with foods institutes and the Industry Ministry to improve food quality. The project may focus on city and tourist marketplaces in Sukhumvit or even Silom.
The BMA will also rearrange spots with regard to street vendors. Every spot will have its very own characteristics.
Districts shift
Somchai Thanakusuman, leader of the Nang Loeng tourism community, stated his area in Pomprap Sattruphai district will join the pilot.
The district office invited various agencies, such as the Nang Loeng police, Poh Teck Tung foundation, Prohibit Narasilp, Phranakhon Rajabhat University and Nang Loeng community to join a meeting.
One particular outcome: a walking street event in Nang Loeng region will be held from today to Fri at Wat Sunthon Thammathan and close to Phaniang Road from 4pm-10pm. It will now be held five times every month.
Aside from local food stalls, nang klang plaeng (outdoor cinema) will be kept with performances by local artists.
“The policy is great as it helps spur the economy. Such events used to be held annually but they were hanging due to Covid-19. It also helps conserve local culture and tradition which can attract tourists to the area, inch he said.
Oradee Na Ranong, the president of We Enjoy Silom Association, a team of business operators within Silom, said her group is ready to work with the BMA in order to foster the local innovative economy.
“Silom has had a solid identity as a company district since the early days of Bangkok. It was one of the earliest commercial centres of Bangkok from the mid-19th centuries onwards, ” Ms Oradee said.
“The neighborhood contains a bustling commercial area, high-rise condominiums, and many major businesses. Some 220, 1000 people live in this area and one more 350, 000 journey here to work. ”
Even though Silom has been overshadowed by a faster growing CBD in Sukhumvit and Rama IX in recent years, in the girl view Silom nevertheless has many strengths.
“Silom includes a distinct city vibe with many businesses, dining places, shopping centres, plus entertainment venues, which usually attract more than 56, 000 visitors every day.
“The neighbourhood is also easily accessible via two major metro systems, the MRT Blue Range and BTS Green Line. So , the area has all the potential to be a top centre of commerce and major appeal of Bangkok, ” she said.
Some 13 leading business operators in Silom work together with the BMA to refurbish the scenery of the neighbourhood.
Silom is also home to major real estate development projects such as the Park Silom Project, by Nye Estate Co Limited, a 15-billion-baht neighborhood mall development, she said.