Nang Loengs New Face: Ford Revitalizes Old Building into ‘Creative Hub’ to Boost Iconic Food District into a Creative Economy

Discover the legendary pork brain noodle soup and Jib Kee roast duck in the transformed Nang Loeng district, where Ford has revitalized a 1960s building into a creative space connecting NGOs and the community to revive the old town’s economy.

Once quiet after the government offices relocated, Nang Loeng is set for change. A residential building from the 1960s has been renovated into the “Ford Community Center Bangkok” (FCC Bangkok). This space is more than just an office; Ford intends it as the 'new heart' and a model for revitalizing the old city into a vibrant creative economy district, rivaling areas like Charoen Krung and Song Wat.

Nang Loeng: A charm waiting to be rediscovered.

Jane Holloway, Senior Manager of Ford Philanthropy, sees Nang Loeng as culturally rich, with its historic markets and legendary food. The FCC center aims to bring in young people and tourists to distribute income to hidden legendary local eateries within the community.

Must-try standout eateries in Nang Loeng you shouldn’t miss.

• Homemade Thai pork brain noodle soup: A rare legendary dish still alive today.
• Jib Kee roast duck: A long-established spot that roast duck and crispy pork lovers must check in at.
• Nang Loeng braised beef noodle soup: A favorite among meat lovers with its rich, intense flavor.
• Nang Loeng desserts: Ford collaborates with Chef In Narongrit Saekho to reinterpret the district’s famous sweets with a modern twist while preserving traditional flavors, enabling locals to build real income opportunities.

“We want a space in the heart of the old city because many overlook this area when choosing office locations or places to work. We want to be in a transitioning neighborhood to help develop society and understand community needs so all Bangkok districts can regain strength,” Jane said.

More than just a food spot, it’s a ‘community space.’

The FCC center does not work alone; it is a hub gathering eight NGOs working together. Ford supports both workspace and core funding, often the hardest for NGOs to secure. The center is divided into three buildings:

• Building 1: Home base for the Urban Studies Lab (USL), Food Rescue Foundation (SOS), Wildlife Friends Foundation, Precious Plastic Bangkok, and the Street Health Project.
• Building 2: Space for the Creative Migration Foundation and Na Projects Group, which serve as a vocational training center for vulnerable youth and refugees.
• Building 3 (new Community Center building): A three-story public space designed around users, featuring a community library, a standard kitchen for community meal activities, child counseling rooms, and multipurpose areas for senior workshops.

Soon, Nang Loeng will become more accessible with the MRT construction underway. Jane sees this as a 'game changer' like what happened with Yaowarat, transforming Nang Loeng from a pass-through area into a must-visit destination for food lovers and art enthusiasts alike.