Bangkok is getting a pedestrian bridge across the Chao Phraya River and it could become one of the city's most exciting new landmarks.
The project connects two historic neighbourhoods and gives locals and tourists a fresh way to experience the river without hopping on a boat or dealing with traffic.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is pushing ahead with plans to build the bridge between Phra Pokklao Bridge and Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Maharat Bridge. It'll link Tha Wat Thong Thammachat Pier on one side with Tha Sawat Pier in the Song Wat Road area on the other. For those who don't know, Song Wat is one of Bangkok's oldest trading and cultural districts, so this location isn't random.
Right now the project is in the detailed design phase and officials are preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment report. The goal is to wrap up all the planning by the end of this year so construction can kick off soon after.
What makes this bridge interesting is that it's not just about getting from point A to point B. The design treats it as a public space where people can actually hang out, take in river views and experience the Chao Phraya from a completely new angle.
The bridge will make life easier for residents, students and business owners who currently have to take longer routes or rely on short boat trips to cross between Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides. It's all part of a bigger push to give riverside areas back to the people and create a more walkable city that doesn't revolve around cars.
Environmental concerns are being taken seriously too. The assessment looks at how the bridge might affect the river's ecosystem, boat traffic and safety. There's also attention being paid to the historical landscape because nobody wants a modern structure blocking important views or clashing with the old city vibe.
If everything goes to plan, this won't just be another river crossing. It's meant to become a landmark that weaves together Bangkok's past with its present and future, all while encouraging people to slow down and actually enjoy their surroundings.
So what do you reckon? Does the design hit the mark?