Politics
Old City Bangkok Council Approves 450 Million Baht Infrastructure Plan
The ordinance allocates 450 million baht from the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget paper for road repairs and transit upgrades, directing spending toward employment in construction and related services for Old City Bkk residents.
How we reported this
On 7 July 2026 the Old City Bkk City Council passed the Infrastructure Investment Ordinance by an 8-3 vote. The measure authorises direct expenditure on road resurfacing and a new bus rapid transit segment along Ratchadamnoen Road. It affects residents who travel daily through the historic district and those seeking work in building trades.
The vote occurred during the council's regular session as it finalised allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Council records show the ordinance draws from the capital works section of the 2026-2027 budget paper, which sets aside funds previously identified for deferred maintenance on major arterials. Local transport patterns have increased pressure on these routes since the opening of the extended river ferry terminal in 2024.
Employment and Service Changes for Residents
The ordinance requires contractors to hire at least 60 percent of their workforce from within the Old City Bkk municipal area for the first phase of projects. This provision applies to the resurfacing of eight kilometres of inner roads and the installation of new bus shelters at 22 stops. Residents who work in construction or equipment operation stand to gain short-term contracts listed through the city employment centre. Households near the construction zones may see temporary lane closures and adjusted bus schedules during the 18-month build period.
The city council's budget paper records a total outlay of 450 million baht for these items. Of that amount, 310 million baht is assigned to road base replacement and drainage upgrades, while 140 million baht covers the transit shelters and associated signalling. The document projects that the spending will sustain approximately 850 full-time equivalent positions over two years, based on standard labour ratios used by the public works department.
Timeline for Project Rollout
Procurement notices are scheduled to appear in the official gazette on 15 July 2026. Prequalification for contractors closes on 12 August, with the first contracts expected to be awarded by late September. Work on the Ratchadamnoen corridor is listed to begin in October, followed by phased road repairs in the Banglamphu and Sao Chingcha neighbourhoods. The public works department will publish monthly progress reports on its website for residents to track lane impacts and hiring updates.