Teen headquarters Siam Square and foodie haven Sam Yan have seen many gradual changes in recent years, from the not-so-functional Digital Gateway on the site of the old Center Point to the Siam Kitt Building across from the Novotel Hotel. Additional construction work is either ongoing or in the pipelines, affecting the Siam Theater area and Sam Yan Market. We spoke to Associate Professor Permyot Kosolbhand, a deputy rector of Chulalongkorn University and the chief of its property management office (PMO) about their plans for the future. He confirmed that, like it or not, a total facelift of the area, a result of numerous projects over the next five years, is all but inevitable.

1) Rama 1 footpath

This 500-meter long pedestrian walkway has long been a source of dispute between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the university’s PMO. The land technically belongs to the university, but as it has been used as a public passage for many years, the BMA has asked for the right to manage it. The resolution is that Chula will retain ownership but will collaborate with the BMA and the Bangkok Sabai Walk Project to develop the strip into an accessible walkway for everyone. There was a recent footpath design competition, where, unfortunately, no winners were declared, though a few runner-up designs will be combined to make the final plan in the next few months.

2) Siam Square One

After the Siam Theater was burned down during the May riots, construction workers have been busy priming the now-level plot as we watch from the BTS platform. The end result will be a new six-story, multi-purpose complex featuring lifestyle shops, restaurants and tutoring centers. The first two floors will house up to 1,000 small retailers, while upper floors will be for larger fashion, food and education outlets. Professor Permyot reveals that the name might be Siam Square One, to mark this new beginning of Siam Square.

3) Digital Gateway

After losing Center Point, we got this IT-centric mini mall instead, which was quickly receiving complaints about dysfunctional escalators and too-small restrooms. Now Digital Gateway has welcomed more chic shops and good restaurants, including several Japanese ones—everyone’s favorite—in a move to make it more desirable to Siam-goers. Hate it or not, Digital Gateway is not going anywhere for at least the next 15 years, which is when their current lease is up for renewal.

4) Siam Kitt

Completed late last year, the Siam Kitt Building has replaced old favorites Canton Suki and some decades-old shophouses. The 20-floor building comes packed with restaurants, cafes and lifestyle shops on the basement and ground floors, and tutoring centers on floors 1-5. The upper floors will house a giant parking space and an as yet unnamed and not yet completed three-star hotel. The estimated price tag is somewhere between B1-2 billion. This hotel, once operational, will act as an additional income generator for Chula.

5) Siam Square Soi 5 shops

These are temporary shophouses organized by Chula for the vendors who lost their shops during the May riots. These new shops will remain where they are for at least another two years, until the new building (see 2) is completed. Chula is considering giving priority to these vendors for rental space in the new building.

6) Park@Siam

With complaints about the lack of green space in Siam Square, especially after Digital Gateway replaced Center Point, Chula has transformed the old parking space at its Faculty of Pharmacy into a pocket park. Designed by lecturers and students of the Faculty of Architecture, the park works as a public space for special non-profit events like art fairs and performances. But as the location is pretty hidden from the crowds, not many people have stumbled upon it yet.

7) Green space

Sounds good, right? Who can say no to more green space. But Professor Permyot clarifies, “Green space doesn’t always mean trees on the ground. It can also come in the form of vertical or rooftop gardens, too”—something we’ve been begging for in this city for way too long.

8) Chamchuri Square

After a several-year hiatus during the economic downturn last decade, the building was completed two years ago, making it the first shopping and office complex owned by the university. Chamchuri Square is comprised of three parts: an office tower, a shopping complex and residences. The office space is mostly taken up by Dtac’s headquarters, while Chamchuri Residence is selling on a 60-year lease basis with prices ranging from B16.9-19.9 million for a space of 190-220 sq meters.

9) Chamchuri Square Phase 2

The largest space in this new development plan is across the street from Chamchuri Square, with an area of almost 14 rai. This second phase of construction comprises a lifestyle shopping arcade, rental office space and residences. Details are yet to be finalized, but the building will cost between B5-6 billion.

10) Community Mall and Residence

In case you haven’t noticed, the charming spot where you used to park your car to pick up your favorite street eats and desserts around the Suan Luang area was recently bulldozed. The space will become yet another community mall, packed with restaurants, cafes, lifestyle stores, and a rental residence for international students. Don’t panic just yet—there’s still plenty to eat around there. Find our picks in Avenue, page 16.Cost: B1.4 billion

11) Sports Complex

Right at the intersection, across from Tesco Lotus Super and next to the National Stadium, this land will be developed as a sports complex with a fitness center and shops selling athletic products. Cost: B5 billion

12) Monorail

This project, initiated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), aims to install a monorail around Chulalongkorn University, from Rama 1 to Rama 4 Road. Chula will provide a plot for the monorail’s depot in the Sam Yan area. It’s still in the planning stage but it could happen in just a couple of years.

CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY

BK ASKS: We get locals’ views on the new Siam and Sam Yan.

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