Historical Royal Maps Prompt Review of Bangkok Flood Mitigation Projects
A researcher has highlighted historical royal annotations on maps that inspired six flood-retention basin projects in Bangkok, urging their restoration in urban planning.
According to a report by Thai Post, researcher Nat Mongkolnavin has brought attention to historical records featuring 'pencil marks' made by the late King Rama IX on maps. These annotations served as the foundation for the development of six flood-retention basin projects designed to manage water flow in Bangkok.
Nat argues that the subsequent removal of these projects from urban planning without providing alternative drainage solutions has resulted in the loss of strategic flood-buffer zones. These areas were originally intended to function as 'monkey cheeks' (kaem ling) to mitigate seasonal flooding. The researcher is now calling on the public to advocate for the reintegration of these retention areas into the city's comprehensive plan before the upcoming public hearing scheduled for November 9.
For residents and those living in Bangkok, this development is significant as it directly relates to the city's long-term flood management strategy and urban infrastructure. Changes to the city's comprehensive plan can influence land use and flood risk mitigation in various districts. It remains to be confirmed how the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will respond to these calls and whether the proposed retention basins will be reconsidered in the final urban planning draft. Residents are encouraged to monitor official announcements regarding the November 9 hearing to understand how these planning decisions might affect their local areas.
