Underground tunnels open portals to Bangkok’s historic attractions

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Tourists in Bangkok are discovering two new pedestrian tunnels to historic attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the City Pillar Shrine and the Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground.

The two air-conditioned tunnels were opened on Jan 1 in the Old Town district of Phra Nakhon to provide residents and tourists with convenient and safe alternatives to the roads above.

The tunnels’ construction was initiated in July 2020 by former Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang at a cost of 1.1 billion baht. The two underground passageways can accommodate more than 35,000 pedestrians per day.

The first tunnel is 96 metres long and lies 6.6 metres underground at the intersection of Na Phra Lan and Na Phra That Roads, with entrances close to Wat Phra Kaew and Sanam Luang. It features waiting areas, 21 male toilets and 51 female toilets, two elevators, a staircase and three escalators at each of the four entrances.

The second tunnel is 90 metres long and lies 4.7 metres under Maharat Road. The tunnel also features waiting areas, 15 male toilets and 20 female toilets, two elevators and escalators at each of the two entrances.