Finally! Some proof that public opinion still counts for something in this city. Thanks to a petition signed by some 3,318 people, plans to turn the 29-rai Rama 3 Park into a storage zone and workers’ camp for a new expressway have been scrapped.

The park, which sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Yannawa/Sathorn, had been earmarked by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to close on Jun 28 to become part of an expressway project running from Rama 3 Road and Dao Khanong to the Western Outer Ring Road.

However, thanks to protests by local residents, led by Mr. Tanongsak Manotamraksa, and a petition started on Change.org, it appears that decision has been reversed.

According to an update on the petition page, Mr Tanongsak and other group members met with EXAT and BMA on Jun 20, the outcome being that the park will remain open, and the car park and area under Rama 3 Bridge will instead serve as the workers' camp. 

Hooray! Now let's see if this offers any fresh hope for the 29,000 who’ve signed against the Chao Phraya River Promenade.