Bangkok faces a significant green space deficit, with only 7.49 sq.m. per person—below the World Health Organization’s recommended 9 sq.m. To address this, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced the ‘15-Minute Park’ initiative: a network of small public spaces accessible within a 15-minute walk (800 meters). Currently, many residents spend 45–60 minutes traveling to reach a park, highlighting that improving access is as critical as increasing green space.
Located along the Chao Phraya River in Khlong San, ‘Suan San’ occupies 3,894 sq.m. The site was once abandoned, functioning as a dumping ground—a concrete yard surrounded by trees with limited access to the riverside walkway. Narrow roads also restricted entry for large vehicles, raising fire safety concerns.
Today, the land has been granted to the BMA for public use over a 10-year period. ‘Suan San’ represents a successful collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, academic institutions, professional organizations, and the local community. Initiatives such as the ‘Khlong San Pop-Up Park’ engaged residents in reimagining the site, enabling them to actively shape its future.
The project was driven by the goal of creating a sustainable and inclusive public space. Beyond conventional design, the process emphasized participatory engagement, allowing stakeholders to experience the site through temporary activities, provide feedback, and generate data on usage. This iterative approach ensured the park responds directly to community needs.
Safety and long-term usability were key priorities. The design incorporates comprehensive lighting and open, uncluttered spaces to discourage unsafe activities, alongside adaptive management strategies to ensure ongoing maintenance and prevent deterioration.
At the core of ‘Suan San’ is the concept of ‘San’—a Thai word meaning ‘to weave’ or ‘to connect.’ This idea guided the design, positioning the park as a neighborhood learning space that bridges past and present through three key connectors:
1. Weaving Relationships: Multiple access points and welcoming public spaces
encourage social interaction and inclusivity.
2. Weaving Past & Present: Existing mature trees and heritage elements are
preserved and integrated as learning spaces reflecting local identity.
3. Weaving Lives: Diverse programs support both physical activity (jogging track,
sports field, playground) and mental well-being (herbal garden, Banyan Yard), alongside flexible community spaces.
Transformed from a derelict riverside site, ‘Suan San’ is now a vibrant public green space that strengthens community connections in a comfortable urban setting. As a pilot for the ‘15-Minute Park’ initiative, it sets a benchmark for future park development, design, and management in Thailand. Despite its modest scale, the park contributes meaningfully to Bangkok’s green network and holds potential as a ‘Park Connector,’ linking surrounding neighborhoods and larger green spaces—advancing the city toward a more accessible and sustainable urban future.
Data
Landscape architecture: Shma Company Limited
Project Team:
Design Director – Yossapon Boonsom
Landscape Architect – Tarntip Tantprasert, Pluek Jongphichavorakul, Natasha Bell Garsia, Poohlawat Sangduean
CM – Anongnard Jungmongkolsawat
Horticulturist – Supaluk Paorik, Pornpun Chairat, Sirinthon Sumangsa
Graphic Designer – Vipulapas Puapolthep
Photographer – Nawin Deangnul
Client: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
Project location: 255 Somdet Chao Phraya Rd, Somdet Chao Phraya, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Photo credits:
Nawin Deangnul
Drawing – Shma Company Limited
