Blueprint for a better Bangkok

With the election of a new Bangkok governor yesterday, several unfinished tasks to develop the nation's capital await the administration during its four-year term.

Bangkok is home to at least 8.2-11 million people, including temporary workers and students, and served as a gateway for 30.3 million foreign arrivals last year, as well as a hub for businesses of all sizes.

With an enormous fiscal budget of 92.7 billion baht under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the capital has ample tools to maintain its competitiveness.

The business sector hopes the new governor will develop it into an "ideal capital" that will elevate the country's economy.

LIVEABLE CITY FOR ALL

Business leaders say policies that can strengthen the capital's appeal as a destination for both domestic migrants and foreign residents, as well as improve liveability, infrastructure and access to information, are key to successful development.

Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of SET-listed Sena Development, said Bangkok should position itself as a city where people want to live, work and build their future, regardless of whether they come from overseas or other provinces.

"Bangkok should have a 'Welcome Resident Centre' for newcomers, whether they are foreigners or Thais relocating from other provinces," she said. "A centre would help people settle into the city more easily and make Bangkok a more attractive place to live."

Ms Kessara, who served as a policy consultant for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt during his first term, said similar initiatives were successfully adopted in several developed countries that actively attract migrants, skilled workers and international talent.

In Canada, which is recognised for its immigrant-friendly policies, government-funded welcome centres provide newcomers with a broad range of services, from language training and employment assistance to obtaining identification documents.

Germany established welcome centres in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart to assist skilled foreign workers and international students, helping them navigate administrative procedures and settle more efficiently.

Australia and New Zealand also introduced local welcome programmes that provide information on healthcare services, community benefits and waste management, helping new residents integrate into their communities more smoothly.

"For Thais who want to move abroad, we need to ask why they don't want to stay in Bangkok," Ms Kessara said. "For foreigners, we need to address issues such as dual pricing often pointed out by tourists. We need to create a more welcoming environment if we want Bangkok to compete with leading global cities."

Greater transparency about public information would also support investment and urban development, she noted.

As a property developer and Bangkok resident, Ms Kessara said access to key information such as official land appraisal values and land ownership records should be made more accessible by the BMA.

Surachet Kongcheep, head of research at property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, said many aspects of development are handled via normal municipal functions, but the governor could play a stronger coordinating role.

"Some issues may appear routine, but they have a direct impact on quality of life and investment confidence," he said.

Mr Surachet cited recurring flooding after rainfall, traffic disruptions caused by construction projects, and the prolonged use of public space for construction materials as areas requiring stricter oversight.

He said the BMA should prioritise safety across the city, both during the day and at night, for pedestrians, public transport users and motorists.

"More effective CCTV coverage and enforcement can help deter crime and improve confidence among residents and visitors," said Mr Surachet.

Regarding land development, he said the BMA could use land and building tax policies more actively to encourage productive land use.

"If the city wants to stimulate development, it should closely monitor land usage that is inconsistent with the current and future potential of specific locations," said Mr Surachet.

Stronger enforcement of land taxation could encourage owners of underutilised plots to develop, redevelop or release land to the market, he noted.

Regarding Bangkok's new city plan, Mr Surachet said the city should focus on expanding road networks and improving connectivity to unlock development opportunities in previously inaccessible areas.

"The BMA should study how new roads and extensions of existing roads can increase the potential of landlocked plots and open up new areas for long-term development," he said.

Improved connectivity would not only support future property investment, but also help create a more balanced pattern of urban growth across the capital, noted Mr Surachet.

GRASSROOTS ECONOMY

Bangkok's new governor should use the mandate and intimate knowledge of local communities to support micro-SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) amid a sluggish economy, said Sangchai Theerakulwanich, honorary president and strategic chairman of the Federation of Thai SMEs.

Although the government has introduced policies to stimulate the grassroots economy, referring to small-scale activity driven by retailers, street vendors and ordinary buyers, he said the measures are inadequate and require reinforcement from the BMA, which has solid experience in managing urban operations.

"Local officials work closely with small entrepreneurs, a connection the Bangkok governor must leverage to strengthen support for the city's micro-businesses," Mr Sangchai said.

A healthier grassroots economy is crucial for the government's broader efforts to restore the Thai economy, he noted.

The Revenue Department classifies micro-SMEs nationwide into two groups: 3,000 with annual revenue of less than 1.8 million baht, and 2,000 with annual revenue of 1.8 million to 30 million baht.

Mr Sangchai said to enhance their revenue, a mix of measures is needed. To increase the competitiveness of small businesses, digital technologies, notably artificial intelligence, should be a key tool.

"These technologies are good for entrepreneurs who work in the capital," he said.

SMEs have grown at a slow pace. These small entrepreneurs need a city governor who knows how to allocate budgets to support them, said Mr Sangchai.

He urged the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition government to work closely with the Bangkok governor to develop the capital's economy, which is propelled by both large corporations and micro-SMEs.

"This effort requires strategic thinking from both the Bangkok governor and city councillors," Mr Sangchai said.

PUBLIC IMAGE

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said Bangkok attracts large numbers of international visitors and relies heavily on pedestrian access.

Even though the rail network is thorough, he said road traffic remains hazardous, while pavements are often obstructed by street vendors, which are issues the BMA must address.

A blanket ban on street vendors is unnecessary, but clear rules on designated areas, operating hours and hygiene are essential, noted Mr Thienprasit.

"A high-value image will never be achieved if basic infrastructure remains inadequate in Bangkok. Many pavements are deteriorating and difficult for pedestrians to walk on," he said.

Greater attention is also needed for the urban environment. Areas beneath expressways are still blighted by litter, in stark contrast to better-managed cities such as Singapore, said Mr Thienprasit.

In addition, flooding remains a major concern, as heavy downpours can quickly cause inundation, damaging Thailand's tourism image. The city often logs lower visitor numbers during the rainy season and needs improvements to enhance its appeal, he said.

Meanwhile, urban planning laws should better support business development. Converting old buildings into hotels requires legal adjustments and strict inspections, particularly as some ageing three-storey structures are being extended to five storeys despite safety risks highlighted by recent deadly incidents, noted Mr Thienprasit.

"Old buildings can be converted into hostels with reinforced structures, but excessive extensions are unacceptable," he said. "If we aim for high-value tourism, the city must have recognised standards and regulations to ensure safety."

However, rules should not deter owners from registering properties due to fear of non-compliance, noted Mr Thienprasit.

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

Typically restaurants in Bangkok record a 20-30% drop in sales in June compared with earlier months of the year.

This decline is attributed to the beginning of the rainy season, which brings fewer dine-in customers, and to families opting to save money after tuition payments and related expenses in May, said Chanon Koetcharoen, president of the Restaurant Association.

However, this month restaurants in Bangkok reported a 30-40% sales dip, resulting from the ongoing Middle East war, which has driven consumers to prioritise savings. Higher airfares, driven by elevated jet fuel prices, have also reduced the number of foreign arrivals, he said.

Mr Chanon said he hopes the new governor will revitalise Bangkok restaurants.

Regarding infrastructure, he called on the governor to address the city's drainage problems, as flooding continues to disrupt business activity across the city.

Given Thailand's reputation for vibrant street food, Mr Chanon urged the new governor to improve waste disposal practices among street food vendors. Some vendors discharge liquid waste directly into Bangkok's drainage system, which can lead to blockages. He suggested the city introduce portable grease traps for vendors.

In addition, Mr Chanon urged the BMA to simplify the process for obtaining restaurant licences from local district offices.

He also encouraged the administration to develop travel routes connecting tourist destinations across Bangkok, leveraging its extensive knowledge of the city. This approach would promote a broader range of neighbourhoods, rather than focusing on a single area. By promoting different routes, the initiative could help revitalise activity in various parts of the city and support eateries in those neighbourhoods, said Mr Chanon.

The governor can also promote Bangkok's nightlife, which would benefit street food vendors, which are most active at night, he noted.