Bangkok: Floating markets must be easily accessible! Chatchart proposes a feeder system connecting four floating markets on the Thonburi side to boost the community economy. Chatchart visited Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Taling Chan district, highlighting his policy of developing the grassroots economy through floating markets on the Thonburi side of the river, along with promoting public transportation and feeder buses connecting the BTS Skytrain to communities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatchart Sittiphan, candidate number 9 for Bangkok Governor, campaigned at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Taling Chan District, Bangkok. He met with vendors and residents, presenting his policies on developing the local economy and tourism by upgrading the floating market and riverside communities on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River into important economic hubs of Bangkok.
Mr. Chatchart stated that the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River has several promising floating markets and community markets in the Taling Chan, Phasi Charoen, and Thonburi districts, which are crucial mechanisms for driving the grassroots economy. However, a major problem is the inconvenient access to these areas, even with the expansion of the electric train network.
Mr. Chatchart stated that solving Bangkok's traffic and transportation problems requires a simultaneous approach encompassing three areas: developing the electric train system, improving the bus system, and enhancing the efficiency of feeder transport systems to make it easier for people to travel from train stations to their destinations.
For the floating market area on the Thonburi side of the river, there is a plan to develop a feeder bus system connecting the BTS stations with the four floating markets in the area. This aims to facilitate travel for residents and tourists, reduce the use of private vehicles, and increase economic opportunities for local businesses.
Mr. Chatchart also discussed the development of the public transportation system, stating that Bangkok will proceed with improving the quality of bus stops and passenger shelters, installing electronic bus time display systems, and supporting the development of feeder bus systems in the form of small buses and minibuses in communities to connect people to the city's main transportation systems. In addition, there are plans to develop an additional 1,000 kilometers of sidewalks, coupled with upgrading the quality of service for over 70,000 motorcycle taxis throughout Bangkok to ensure they are part of a well-connected and safe transportation system.
In terms of community economics, Mr. Chatchart believes that the strength of each floating market lies in its unique identity, and the government should not dictate its format but should instead facilitate it. This includes promoting the market, improving transportation links, developing business and marketing knowledge, and providing access to funding, so that entrepreneurs can develop their businesses sustainably. He emphasized that Bangkok has over 500,000 SMEs employing more than 3 million people, making them a vital force in the city's economy. Promoting community and floating markets is therefore crucial for strengthening the grassroots economy, alongside the growth of large businesses, ensuring that Bangkok's economy grows simultaneously at all levels.
Regarding the management of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Mr. Chatchart stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is ready to participate in overseeing and coordinating with relevant agencies to improve routes and enhance the efficiency of bus services. However, he disagrees with the idea of taking over the management of BMTA if it means assuming a debt burden of over 150 billion baht. He also proposed a review of bus routes that have undergone major updates since 2017, as many routes still lack service or do not align with public travel patterns.
Furthermore, he suggested upgrading bus stops and passenger shelters to meet standards and installing electronic bus arrival time displays to improve convenience for users. Regarding the development of the electric train system, Mr. Chatchart believes the main problem remains the high fares and the need to push for the implementation of a single, unified ticket system. This would allow the public to travel conveniently and cost-effectively across all lines. He also stated that the concession for the main Green Line will expire in 2029, presenting a significant opportunity to review the management model and fare structure. He proposed the idea of creating monthly passes for frequent users such as workers, students, and senior citizens to help reduce their travel expenses.
However, it is acknowledged that there are limitations due to existing bus operating contracts booked until 2042, amounting to approximately 18 billion baht per year. Therefore, careful negotiation and management are necessary to enable fare reductions in the future. Mr. Chatchart also supported the government taking the lead in negotiations with all electric train operators to determine a unified fare structure and ticketing system for the entire country.
The atmosphere during Mr. Chatchart's campaign visit to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market was lively. He interacted informally with vendors, business owners, and tourists shopping in the market, listening to their problems and suggestions regarding transportation, trade, and tourism promotion in the Thonburi area. During the visit, Mr. Chatchart's campaign team also encountered the campaign vehicle of Dr. Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk, Bangkok gubernatorial candidate number 14, who was campaigning at the same market around the same time. The campaign team distributed Mr. Chatchart's leaflets to the drivers of the campaign vehicles.