BANGKOK, Thailand – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has approved a major redevelopment of the Victory Monument area, the largest in two decades. The project will overhaul the monument’s landscape and bus system while introducing new pedestrian connections and skywalks designed to reduce reliance on private cars and support the city’s “Car Free Everyday” vision.
City officials stated that the redesign is based on commuter behavior and integrates urban planning, landscape architecture, and transportation engineering. Plans include expanded sidewalks, new pedestrian crossings, additional tree planting, and open public spaces that connect more seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Universal Design principles will guide construction to ensure accessibility for all users.
Pedestrian connectivity will also be enhanced through new bridges linking the monument’s four traffic islands and an extension of the Ratchawithi skywalk to Tuek Chai Intersection. This expanded network will provide access to eight major hospitals along the route, thereby shortening walking distances for daily commuters.
The project will introduce a new system for bus stop management to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. Routes will be grouped by destination, with terminal and origin lines concentrated in main areas and through-routes directed to designated islands. Double-parking will be eliminated, and commuters will have clearer access to incoming buses.
Officials said the overhaul is expected to streamline daily travel, reduce congestion, and support Bangkok’s long-term transition toward a more sustainable urban transport system. (NNT)
