Blueprint for a better Bangkok

With the election of a new governor, Bangkok stands at a pivotal moment, facing a mandate to address numerous unfinished tasks crucial for the development of Thailand's capital. The city, a bustling hub for an estimated 8.2 to 11 million residents and a gateway for over 30 million foreign arrivals last year, possesses a substantial fiscal budget of 92.7 billion baht under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to fuel its progress.

Business leaders are keenly anticipating policies that will strengthen Bangkok's competitiveness and liveability. Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of Sena Development, advocates for positioning Bangkok as an "ideal capital" where people aspire to live, work, and build their futures. She suggests creating a "Welcome Resident Centre" to ease the transition for both Thai citizens relocating from other provinces and foreign nationals seeking to settle in the city.

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Bangkok should have a 'Welcome Resident Centre' for newcomers, whether they are foreigners or Thais relocating from other provinces. A centre would help people settle into the city more easily and make Bangkok a more attractive place to live.

Drawing parallels with successful international models, Thanyalakpark highlighted initiatives in countries like Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, where welcome centers provide comprehensive support services. These services range from language training and employment assistance to navigating administrative procedures and integrating into local communities. She believes such a center would make Bangkok a more attractive place to live and work, fostering a more welcoming environment.

Furthermore, Thanyalakpark stressed the need to address issues that can deter visitors and potential residents, such as the "dual pricing" often experienced by tourists. Improving transparency in public information is also seen as vital for supporting investment and urban development. The overarching goal is to elevate Bangkok's status as a globally competitive city, ensuring it remains an attractive destination for both domestic migrants and international talent.

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For Thais who want to move abroad, we need to ask why they don't want to stay in Bangkok. For foreigners, we need to address issues such as dual pricing often pointed out by tourists. We need to create a more welcoming environment if we want Bangkok to compete with leading global cities.