Interview: Kessara Thanyalakpark

Director of Sena Development, on Sena Fest, the new community mall set to open on Charoennakorn Road at the end of this year.

What’s the potential for this area?
Charoennakorn has never been this lively. Before the BTS arrived, it was pretty quiet, but now we’re seeing condos and demographics we’d rank from B+ to A. We did a local survey and found that some people just go to Siam to buy two bottles of liquid soap—and they don’t cook anymore. They live in condos, which means less space, and more time spent shopping. Sena Fest is here to serve this neighborhood’s new lifestyle.
What’s the future for the Chao Phraya?
Expect bad traffic but a lot of energy. The CP project on the riverside (see page 8) is enormous and I believe it will change the face of Charoennakorn Road completely. People won’t just cross the river to have some Chinese food at a hotel: this road could soon turn into a weekend destination. I think Sena Fest and the CP project will bring new life here.

Interview: Natapree Pichaironarongsongkram

Executive director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Company, on their community mall project, Tha Maharaj, and boutique hotel Riva Surya.

Why develop projects along the river?
We are a ferry boat company that has been operating on the Chao Phraya for a very long time. We want to show people how beautiful life by the river is, or even life on the canals, like Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai. We would like to promote water transportation and living closer to the river by launching as many projects here as possible. We’ve organized a nine temples tour, now we’re doing this community mall and next is Riva Surya.
How has the neighborhood changed?
Today we see more people ignore the river and head straight to the city. But Koh Rattanakosin has its own distinct charm and we really want people to care and come back to the river instead of only hanging out in Siam and Sukhumvit.
How is your mall being received by locals?
We’ve had pretty good feedback. Our designer company, Contour which has done work for community malls like J Avenue and Rain Hill, did a survey of foreigners and Thais in the area. College students in the area are scared of the amulet market and want a cool place to hang out.
Do you think that the river could ever reclaim its status as the heart of Bangkok?
Even though you can’t really compare the two cities, I believe Bangkok is a kind of Paris of Asia. We have a river which has a unique character and culture—something that could be in the top 10 wonders of Asia.

Interview: Theinruj Toranavikrai

Founder of property blog Thinkofliving.com

Why are Charoenkrung and Charoennakorn so hot right now?
All these projects have been in the pipeline for many years. Asiatique held on to its land for a long time until they found the right concept. What’s changed is access to mass transit options (BTS Saphan Taksin and BTS Krung Thonburi) and the condos which have increased the population density in the area.
Will we see both banks develop at an equal pace?
Well, it’s going to take a long time. The level of development on the Thonburi side is so different right now. Bangkok is only developed on one side whereas a city like Paris has a much higher overall density than ours.
Is Rama 3 Road next?
Rama 3 Road is extremely long, too long. There’s no sense of community, it’s all new, so it’s completely different from Charoenkrung. There is no shopping, no busy sidewalks. It’s just a highway that cars race through—it’s not a destination. People don’t see a reason to go there and the mass transit is not convenient. So Rama 3 will take time. Let’s see when some new condos and malls come up in the area.

Interview: Jason M. Friedman

General Manager of The Siam

Why the riverside?
We were so fortunate to get the land. We want our guests to not only experience the river but live with it. When people travel, they want to see the traditional old houses, palaces and culture. And Dusit is one of the most historical locations in Bangkok. Tourists don’t really care for Thonglor and Ekkamai.
How do you see the river changing?
We want to be the best hotel experience in Thailand and to present Bangkok as the best city in the world. We’ve been in the industry for so long and now we want to share our love [for this area] through this.
And what about other riverside developments?
The river is really happening. Many places like Asiatique and Supatra understand the river’s appeal.
What about the surrounding areas and residents?
The canals need to be properly cleaned, then Bangkok would be even more wonderful. We know it’s getting crowded in the city so we would like people to see our resort and hopefully that would attract them to the river, too.