“New sidewalks” in Bangkok hold up standards, are strong and durable, and focus on pedestrians as the center.

Visited the Ratchadamri-Ploenchit area Look at the new sidewalk standards, building entrances and exits are smooth and level. Reinforced concrete floor increases strength. Complete with manhole covers, unique to the Ploenchit-Ratchadamri area. Before expanding the results throughout Bangkok

April 25, 2024, Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesman for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, along with Mr. Natthaphon Nakphan, Director of Construction and Reconstruction Section 1, Construction and Reconstruction Office, Public Works Department, Ms. Sukwichaya Nasomsong, Pathumwan District Administration Went out to survey the sidewalks around Ratchadamri Road and Ploenchit Road. And see the renovation of manhole covers designed to be outstanding and express the identity of the Ratchadamri-Ploenchit area. The sidewalk in this area is considered one of the pilot routes in using new sidewalk standards that will be more stable, more universal in design, and have the building entrances and exits adjusted to have similar heights.

A spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has a goal of developing Bangkok’s sidewalks to be walkable, good, and pleasant to walk on. In the first phase, the target is 1,000 kilometers through 3 methods, namely, redoing the entire route. Improving and repairing damaged areas is urgent. and adapting innovations to suit the area

For the rebuilding of the entire route, there are two types of implementation. In the inner areas and routes with heavy traffic, it will be paved using tiles according to the new sidewalk standards. The foundation must be reinforced concrete 10 centimeters thick to be able to increase the strength of the sidewalk. Currently, there are 16 routes in Bangkok that are undergoing renovation with new sidewalk standards, such as Ratchadamri, Ploenchit, Udomsuk Roads, etc., and by 2024 there are plans to proceed with the new sidewalk standards for another 38 routes. and 22 routes in 2025

In suburban areas, some routes where traffic is not dense will use asphalt paving. A pilot route has now been implemented on Phuttha Bucha Road (Thung Khru District) and on both sides of Khum Klao Road. (Lat Krabang District) and is expanding to the old railway road (Pak Nam), Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road, and Chaloem Phrakiat Rama IX Road as well.

By improving each route, it will have different highlights, such as Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads. Art is applied to manhole covers. Through design to be outstanding and express the identity of the Ratchadamri-Ploenchit area. which is the economic area in the heart of the city It will also be developed in other directions to become one of the symbols of the city, similar to Japan where manhole covers and city symbols are combined together.

In addition, drainage channels along the road were adjusted. From the original form which was a drainage channel next to the footpath. It is used as a drainage channel along the road. To help drain flood water on the road faster.

Bangkok spokesperson He also said that the BMA will adhere to 5 guidelines in developing and improving sidewalks: 1. Solving the issues raised in Traffy Fondue 2. Developing improvements along the BKK Trail 500 km. 3. Within a radius of 500 meters around the BTS station. The sidewalk must be good. 4. Improvements on routes with heavy traffic according to Heatmap data collected outside of the BTS radius. 5. Restored from public utility agencies. By following up and expediting the management of public utilities that have an effect on the traffic surface and sidewalks, such as water supply, electricity, and bringing electrical wires into the ground.

Mr. Nattaphon Nakphan, Director of Construction and Restoration Section 1, discussed 10 new standards for Bangkok sidewalks:

1. Reduce the height of the sidewalk. It is a shallow trough, 10 centimeters high.
2. Reduce the height of the stone sidewalks at entrances and exits of buildings or alleys to 10 centimeters from the original 18.50 centimeters.
3. Change the sidewalk to reinforced concrete. to increase strength With 10 centimeters thick concrete and 6 millimeter steel reinforcement.
4. Adjust the entrances and exits of the building to be level with the sidewalk. So that all pedestrian users can pass continuously and comfortably.
5. Adjust all walkways and ramps to have a slope of 1:12 according to international standards.
6. Add options for sidewalk paving materials. It is printed asphalt concrete.
7. Change the water inlet from vertical to horizontal. To increase the flow rate of water
8. Establish guidelines for positioning utility systems on the sidewalk. In order not to obstruct pedestrian users.
9. Place navigation bricks (Braille Block) to facilitate the visually impaired.
10. Improve the tree enclosure design with porous asphalt material. To expand the sidewalk area.

Mr. Nattapon further said that As for the improvement and repair of damaged sidewalks, Bangkok’s Public Works Department and the district offices responsible for each area will use the Fast Mobile Unit (BEST) to carry out repairs as quickly as possible. and keep it in a condition that is ready for use safely If any spots can be made into new standard sidewalks, there will be improvements as well.

For routes that are not suitable for creating sidewalks, such as in alleys or in areas with narrow sidewalks Pedestrian obstructions have been removed. and use a variety of methods to suit the area’s conditions, such as drawing colored lines to help divide lines for pedestrians. Introduction of porous asphalt which water can penetrate and surround the trees to increase the width of the sidewalk, etc.