Bangkok: Dr. Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk, candidate for Bangkok Governor number 14, unveiled her ambitious plan to transform unused land into green spaces under the "50 District Public Parks" agenda. During her visit to the Makkasan area in Ratchathewi district, near the Makkasan Airport Rail Link station, she inspected approximately 140 rai of unused land owned by the State Railway of Thailand, emphasizing the potential to convert such spaces into parks.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Mallika has committed to prioritizing this agenda if elected, involving a collaborative effort among the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, government agencies, and the private sector. The initiative aims to lease or utilize unused land for public parks, forests, health parks, sports fields, and activity areas, bringing green spaces closer to Bangkok residents.
Dr. Mallika highlighted that Bangkok has significant vacant lands, including railway, state-owned, and privately-owned properties that remain unused. She argued that creatively managing these lands could enhance community green spaces, improve the quality of life, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide exercise areas for the public. She proposed that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration should be allowed to lease these lands for public benefit, similar to concessions granted to private companies.
Dr. Mallika pointed out that Bangkok's green space per capita is lower than that of many leading global cities, necessitating an urgent increase in public spaces for equal access across all districts. The State Railway of Thailand, one of the country's largest landowners, possesses approximately 246,880 rai of land, with 45,012 rai available for development beyond its core railway operations.
She emphasized that some of these areas could be used for social and environmental purposes alongside economic development, especially in urban areas where parks and recreational spaces are highly sought after by residents. The "Green City Near Home, Walkable to Every Community" concept will be implemented across Bangkok's 50 districts. The plan includes surveying vacant government-owned spaces within the first six months to create a central database of green spaces in the city, allowing citizens to transparently track progress.
Dr. Mallika asserted, "Every square meter of unused land must be turned into something valuable for the people. Bangkok needs more green spaces, not just more concrete."
Bangkok's notable large-scale land plots include the Makkasan area, the Bang Sue area, and the Phahonyothin area, with significant portions owned by the State Railway of Thailand. These plots, alongside other smaller parcels of land along railway lines, present opportunities for development into public green spaces, which could significantly enhance the city's green landscape and improve residents' quality of life.
News reports reveal that Bangkok holds thousands of rai of land, including significant tracts in Makkasan, Bang Sue, and Phahonyothin, owned by the State Railway of Thailand and other government agencies, which are not being fully utilized. Transforming these lands into parks and green spaces is expected to greatly expand Bangkok's "green lungs," benefiting residents across all districts.