Concerns Raised Over Bangkok’s Proposed 2026 City Plan

According to a report by Thai Post on October 16, 2026, former senator Rosana Tositrakul has publicly challenged the draft of Bangkok’s 2026 city plan. Rosana claims that the proposed urban development strategy prioritizes the interests of real estate developers over essential flood mitigation measures.

Specifically, she alleges that the plan involves the removal of 'green' and 'green-striped' zones—areas previously designated as water retention basins or 'monkey cheeks'—to facilitate the construction of housing projects. She argues that the cancellation of the eastern monkey cheek project, which she claims was repurposed for residential development by advisors to the current administration, serves as a precedent for these concerns. She has labeled the draft the 'submerged city plan,' warning that it could exacerbate flooding risks in the capital.

For residents and long-term visitors, this development is significant as it highlights ongoing debates regarding urban density and climate resilience in Bangkok. If the plan is implemented as currently drafted, it could potentially alter the city's drainage capacity and flood vulnerability. However, it remains to be confirmed whether the draft will undergo revisions or if the allegations regarding the specific influence of real estate interests will be formally addressed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Public opposition is currently being organized to challenge the proposal before it is finalized.