BANGKOK, 2 January 2015 — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed confidence that the project to develop bicycle routes in the historic area of Bangkok will help promote happiness among residents.
In his weekly address to the public on television, Gen Prayut spoke of the government’s newly-launched project on the development of bike routes throughout Rattanakosin Island as a New Year present for the people.
He said its objective is to encourage more Thais to turn to riding bicycles instead of driving, which would help alleviate traffic and pollution problems as well as promote tourism in the ancient quarter of the capital.
Initially, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has made improvements to 12 existing bike routes totaling 8 kilometers. In the second phase, the works will be carried out within this year on another five routes with a combined distance of 10 kilometers.
At present, there are 31 official bicycle courses within Bangkok. The government has a plan to open new ones on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River as well as many other areas across the city.
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Prayut admitted that the construction and landscaping works could cause troubles to some people. He said he would like to ask them to be patient and think of the public interest, assuring that this project will change the community for the better and bring happiness to the residents.
