Sukhumvit Road gets a glow-up

Bangkok never stops changing and for the better. Just last week, people living along the Saen Saep canal were all smiles after hearing that their walkway is to get a major upgrade. And now, it’s Sukhumvit’s turn to grin. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has just launched its ‘Sukhumvit Model’, a new initiative focused on improving safety, public order and overall livability in the capital's busiest urban corridor.

Sukhumvit Road is the central hub for commerce, living and entertainment. Densely packed with condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife, the stretch between Soi 1 and Soi 63 is especially popular among expats and affluent locals. But with its popularity comes a set of ongoing challenges.

For years, the area has struggled with recurring problems such as illegal cannabis sales, drug-related activity, homelessness, unauthorised street vending and unlicensed taxis. Other headaches, including noise pollution from tuk-tuks, parking violations, poor street lighting, broken sidewalks, limited CCTV coverage and tangled overhead cables – have also persisted.

To fix this issue, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt led a large-scale inspection on July 10. The route covered over five kilometres from Sukhumvit Soi 39 to Soi 3 in Watthana District and from the Asoke Intersection through Sois 4-24 in Khlong Toei District.

This development is designed to tackle a broad range of troubles that affect both residents and tourists, from everyday safety to long-term urban planning. By addressing these difficulties head-on, the BMA aims to make a city that’s not only more secure but also more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

Improvements in this corridor are intended to serve as a pilot for similar upgrades across other parts of the city. If the project proves successful, more neighbourhoods could be next in line for a facelift. So, which part of the Big Mango do you think will be next?