Thailand: New lung of Bangkok expected to fully ready in Feb 2022

All images from The Nation Thailand/ANN

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (The Nation Thailand/ANN): The first phase of redeveloping the Benjakitti Park will be completed by June 2021 to be open for Mother's Day, deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Sunday.

The overall construction plan is expected to be completed by February 2022.

The first eight months in phase one are focused on completing the garden by June 2021 to honour the Queen Mother on her birthday on August 12, 2021.Renovation work on the sports building and a museum will be completed in February 2022.

Benjakitti Forest Park Project (phase 2-3), a park spread over 259 rai, is being built to fulfil the royal wishes of the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother of "planting a forest in the hearts of people" by creating an urban forest.

The park aims to become a place of learning that creates a bond and appreciation of the value of forest, water, natural resources and care of natural resources and the environment in a sustainable way

This part of the project will have the most forested area (216 rai). Large trees will be planted including shrubs, ground cover, and various types of water plants. Work is going on to create an amphitheatre, sky walkway, jogging lanes, bicycle path and walkways surrounding the project by providing suitable facilities that blend into the urban park.

In addition, the original buildings (warehouse, museum and pavilion) are being renovated to be fully functional and meet the purpose of the project.

According to WHO, at least 9 square metres (m2) of green space per individual should be provided in urban areas. Bangkok has managed a marginal increase in green area -- from 6.43 m2 of green space per person in 2017 to 6.7 m2 in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Thai Cabinet has also approved a budget of Bt24.4 billion for science, research and innovation in 2022, said National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council president Kitipong Promwong on Friday.

Of that total, Bt14.640 billion will support strategic works while the remainder will go to the basic research fund and functional-based research fund. - The Nation Thailand/ANN