Bangkok: Candidates for Bangkok governor have expressed a strong desire to involve residents in the collaborative design of their dream city. They propose that real estate development should extend to outer areas rather than being concentrated in the inner city to address issues such as high rental costs and traffic congestion in the city center.
According to Thai News Agency, a significant structural problem in Bangkok affecting the quality of life for working individuals is the need to wake up early to navigate traffic congestion and make several public transport transfers. This issue persists during rush hours, resulting in a loss of valuable commuting time. Contributing factors include urban planning and real estate challenges, such as high housing costs and rents in the city center that exceed the average income index. Estimates indicate that even those with an income of around 15,000 baht per month face mortgage payments of 6,000 to 7,000 baht, nearly half of their income.
Dr. Komsan Panvichatikul, candidate number 13 for Bangkok Governor, highlighted the importance of real estate in the city's development. He noted that while Bangkok's inner city is rich in tourist attractions, distributing these to outer areas could help alleviate traffic congestion. He also emphasized the need for increased green spaces, proposing that "green space" should include a variety of tree species. Dr. Komsan suggested developing vocational training centers for residents and outlined his "Move on 3D" policy, which focuses on improved quality of life, better livelihoods, and enhanced health for the elderly and individuals with health issues.
Mr. Samai Lalerd, candidate number 2, also addressed real estate's role in Bangkok's development. He expressed his intention to invite residents to design their dream city, emphasizing design freedom to realize the city's potential. However, he warned about the major issue of flooding, stating that without proper urban planning, Bangkok could face flooding up to 3 meters deep due to its soft clay basin land.