Crying need for holistic development to make Bangkok liveable

In order to make Bangkok a livable city for everyone, experts are calling for a rethink of urban planning by prioritizing a holistic development strategy for each district based on local people’s needs and the urban comprehensive carrying capacity of the area.

Private sector-driven development

As a mega-city with more than 11 million inhabitants, Bangkok is known for its congested streets and bustling urban areas. The opening of a new shopping mall in the busy Phrom Phong area at the start of December has virtually paralysed a key section of Sukhumvit Road, triggering a public outcry on social media.

With more major development projects, such as large shopping malls and high-rise condominiums, continuing to sprout in the already densely populated central business districts, the city is suffering from overcrowding. Public disputes as a result of these mega-projects are also on the…