Khaosan Road renovation 91 per cent complete, well ahead of schedule
Nearly 91 per cent of the Khaosan Road improvement project is expected to be completed on May 18 followed by a Big Cleaning activity on May 20.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) deputy governor Sakonthee Pattiyakul said the Khao San Road project was taken up to promote tourism in accordance with the policies of the government and the BMA.
The road and footpaths have been relaid to make them durable and easier to clean.
In addition, the BMA has divided the sales zones by product types and will supervise the area to keep out influencers. Outside traders or unlisted merchants will not be allowed.
The government had assigned the BMA to revamp the landscape of Khao San Road and Yaowarat Road to become beautiful landmarks in the capital. A pilot project for adjusting the landscape of Khao San Road started first. Currently, 91 per cent of the renovation work is expected to be completed on May 18, 10 days ahead of schedule. On May 20, the Phra Nakhon District Office will hold a Big Cleaning activity to clean the whole road.
Traders can open their shops immediately, once the pandemic situation is contained, he said, adding, he expected the reopening on July 1 or August 1 depending on advice from the Public Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Governor General Asawin Khwanmuang may consider expanding trading hours from the original noon to midnight to be split into two periods -- from 9am to 5pm and the second period from 6pm to midnight, to support both old and new traders.