The Bangkok Metropolitan Council discussed the deterioration of parks and sports grounds, with council members jointly highlighting problems. Governor Chatchat accepted the proposals for improvements and explained that the walkway around Lat Phrao 71 Pond requires a budget of 80 million baht and must be further discussed for appropriateness and cost-effectiveness.
At 11:00 a.m. on 22 July 2026, a Bangkok Metropolitan Council meeting was held during the third regular session (first meeting), chaired by Ms. Phatraporn Kengrungreungchai, President of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, at the Irawat Pattana Building, Bangkok City Hall, Din Daeng. The session moved to consider a motion by Ms. Ratchaya Pengsuk, a council member representing Lat Phrao district, concerning a request for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to consider improving parks and repairing sports facilities within the parks.
Ms. Ratchaya stated that Lat Phrao district has a population of about 100,000 people but only three parks for exercise, which need quality maintenance and readiness for use. She pointed out problems in each area: Suan Yu Yen Pen Suk park is neglected and poorly maintained; the Senanivet Village Park Project 1 and its sports center are under renovation but the public is unaware of the completion schedule; and Lat Phrao 71 Pond Park is underutilized with disconnected walking and running paths, insufficient parking, and damaged artificial turf in several spots.
She proposed four actions for Bangkok: repair all damaged sports fields and equipment; expand walking and running paths to encircle the park; improve lighting, benches, restrooms, exercise equipment, and landscaping; and plan to develop Lat Phrao 71 Pond Park as the main public park for Lat Phrao residents, supporting exercise, family activities, and community events. She emphasized that investing in parks is an investment in health that will reduce public health burdens in the long term.
Council members from various districts then discussed local issues. Mr. Kantapong Deechaiya, council member for Taling Chan district, proposed transferring rights to use Taling Chan Water Park to the district office for management, along with improvements to running surfaces, restrooms, lighting, CCTV, first aid kits, and AED devices. He also suggested developing Monton Pirom Park to support both sports and elderly activities.
Mr. Surachit Pongsingwitaya, council member for Lat Krabang district, said he had raised these issues before but they remain unresolved. The administration promised fixes, but the restrooms still emit foul odors. He urged prompt action from the administration. Meanwhile, Mr. Wiphut Sriwaurai, council member for Bang Rak district, noted that Bang Rak Recreation Center’s exercise equipment lacked budget for repairs, leaving some equipment and playground facilities broken and unrepaired. He requested the administration to ensure cleanliness and usability to maintain continuous use.
Mr. Amnat Panpueak, council member for Bang Khae district, commented that the running and cycling tracks at Bang Khae Pirom Park had been repaired but soon deteriorated again. He questioned the management practice of watering plants over the track, causing surface damage, and called for budget allocations to upgrade parks across Bangkok. Mr. Noppawit Wongaree, council member for Laksi district, proposed enhanced safety measures such as guardrails by water bodies, time-controlled fencing, hiring security guards, improving restrooms, and adding sports areas. Mr. Natthanon Naklor, council member for Thawi Watthana district, suggested converting vacant land into green spaces and creating incentives for private landowners to develop public parks.
Mr. Worawit Chaisuwan, council member for Phaya Thai district, said Intamara Park is accessible to everyone but currently lacks exercise equipment and playgrounds, offering only a few trees and 2–3 benches. Mr. Wirat Meenachainan, council member for Min Buri district, noted the near absence of budget for purchasing sports equipment for outdoor grounds. He urged the administration to consider proposals from this motion and improve not only parks but also sports grounds, schools, and playgrounds with sports equipment, rather than focusing solely on public parks.
Governor Chatchat Sitthiphan stood to explain that parks and sports grounds are important urban infrastructure. Bangkok is aware of issues with damaged equipment and facilities and accepts all council members’ proposals for improvements. Deputy Governor Sanan Wangsa-nguan updated progress on renovations at multiple sports centers and parks. The Railway Park was renovated in fiscal year 2025. Benjakitti Park Sports Center received private sector support. Nong Bon Sports Park renovation is over 68% complete. Senanivet Sports Center received a 2026 budget and is in the third contractor procurement stage to upgrade futsal and tennis courts and surrounding fences, aiming for completion within this year.
Deputy Governor Pornprom Wikitset explained that the Environment Office received budgets in 2025 and 2026 to upgrade several parks, including lighting systems, restrooms, and public utilities maintenance, to provide safe and efficient services to the public. For fiscal year 2027, Bangkok plans to improve five parks: 60th Birthday Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park with a 16.4 million baht budget; 50th Birthday Anniversary Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Park with 1.7 million baht; Soi Phahonyothin 24 Community Park with 5.8 million baht; Bang Khae Pirom Park with 6.8 million baht; and Phra Nakhon Park with 3.3 million baht.
Pornprom added that the issue of water trucks watering trees causing damage to running tracks will be investigated and solutions sought. Plans include sidewalk repairs, re-laying artificial turf, and improving lighting systems. The longstanding proposed project for a running track around the park requires a large budget and has not yet been allocated funds for fiscal year 2027.
Later, Mr. Chatchai Mordi, council member for Bang Na district, proposed that the administration survey and catalog potential areas for new public spaces, especially around Nong Bon Pond, which many people use for exercise but has pothole-ridden roads in some parts. He urged Bangkok to promptly improve safety and convenience for users. Mr. Anurak Lertwattanaipiboon, council member for Wang Thonglang district, said the sports center under the expressway has external factors affecting it. Although a contractor search was announced, no one has yet undertaken the work. He asked how the administration plans to address this issue.
Mr. Wirat Kongkhet, council member for Bangkok Yai district, noted that his district was granted a project to build an extreme sports stadium, but construction has not started. He urged the administration to follow up. Toward the end, Ms. Ratchaya reminded about the Lat Phrao 71 Pond Park project, which has a design but has not yet received budget allocation, and asked when budget requests would be submitted again.
However, the Bangkok governor clarified again that they will strive to expedite e-Bidding processes in compliance with regulations. Currently, there have been no complaints. Regarding Lat Phrao 71 Pond, constructing the walkway around the pond requires about 80 million baht, a relatively large sum, so further discussion on suitability and cost-effectiveness is needed. .
