Kai, waiter at Seng Sim Ee in Suan Luang for 16 years
I prefer the old market. Without the Suan Luang fresh market there are less people. I have been here since I was very young, so I’ve seen a lot of changes and this is the biggest change to this area. We used to close our shop at 10pm as we sold everything, but that’s not going to happen these days.

Aew, waiter at Seng Sim Ee in Suan Luang for two years
We’ve never known exactly what they will do with the land. There are several rumors: some say it will be a dormitory while others say it will be something else. But one thing I do know is that we have a lot less customers. Without the parking space at the market it’s not convenient for people to pick up food around here.

Prachob, owner of Por Pang Ping grilled bread shop in Suan Luang for 15 years
I wish it could still be the same but I know it won’t. I used to sell bread and milk with my cart in front of the fresh market but I had to move here [into a shophouse] when they knocked it down. Without the fresh market, things have changed. There are only half as many people as there used to be and now I mostly get customers at night. Even though I work longer hours I sell around 10% less than what I used to when I was a street vendor. But you know what, I used to be scared that they [Chula PMO] wouldn’t renew my contract and kick me out of the building. Now I’ve made up my mind. I am too disheartened to stay here. If possible I want to move somewhere else and start something new.

Sirigesinee, Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. Working in Siam Square for 10 years
I have been working here long enough to see plenty of changes to Siam Square—mostly positive. I don’t mind new developments if they keep the space as savvy and lively as before. But honestly one thing I don’t understand is why Chula are going to have a hotel just right opposite us, a loyal, long-term renter. No matter what they say, two hotels will be targeting the same customers so we can’t avoid competition. The hotel business in the CBD area is tough enough. And what if one day they just don’t renew our contract?

Jay, Training Manager at Hard Rock Café Bangkok. Working in Siam Square for 20 years
Chulalongkorn University might not be on the best track with their development plans in Siam Square but at least they’ve succeeded in making this place the teen headquarters for several decades. One thing that is a concern is the maintenance or lack of it. Chula have added so many new things but then not taken care of them.

Sarintorn, senior year student at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts. Studying at Chula for four years
I don’t like the development plan.Because my faculty is right next to Sam Yan it’s where I always go have lunch and hang out. But because of the changes, all the restaurants and shops have gone and I have to walk a lot further to find restaurants. I also feel that Sam Yan is an old area and we should keep it traditional. Sam Yan would not be Sam Yan if it’s full of new modern buildings.