Every biker who has taken the route around Bang Kachao will tell you it is a real treasure. The 3,089 sq-km of lush greenery has served as the lung of the capital since it was established as a protected conservation area back in 1992. However, now it's under threat of large-scale development after the re-draft of a Samutprakarn city plan. 

The Big Trees Project and Bang Kachao residents, who say the plan was changed without public consultation, have arranged a bike trip and discussion this Sunday, May 11, to express their concern and raise awareness of the issue.

You can join them from 2-5:30pm at Kamnan Khao Pier at Wat Klong Toey Nork. The bike trip will start by crossing the Chao Phraya River before surveying the greenery around Bang Krachao and finishing at the Bangnamphung Community Forest, where a panel discussion will be held. Bike are normally available for rent near the pier.

The panelists include:

  • Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister whose government established Bang Kachao as a protected conservation area in 1992
  • Dr. Saranarat Kanjanavanit, Green World Foundation
  • Manas Rasmithat and  Sanow Rasmithat from Tambon Administration Organization.
  • The youth group and the community members of Bang Krachao.

For more details see here.