The government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have pledged closer cooperation to improve the quality of life of Bangkok residents, focusing on transport, public safety, urban development and environmental management.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday, after presiding over the opening of the first session of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, that the government would reaffirm its support for the BMA's efforts to develop Bangkok into a world-class metropolis through closer cooperation between the city's legislative and executive branches.
Mr Anutin said he and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt met on Sunday to discuss joint initiatives, noting that Bangkok plays a crucial role in national administration and that many of the BMA's policies align with those of the government.
He said the partnership would focus on improving public safety and convenience while cutting travel costs by expanding public transport capacity, lowering electric train and bus fares, introducing a common ticketing system, and improving transport links between Bangkok and neighbouring provinces by road, rail and water.
Mr Anutin said he was confident the initiatives could be completed within the current government's term and Mr Chadchart's tenure, adding that Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn had been briefed on the proposed direction and that the government was ready to provide full support.
The two sides also agreed to make better use of underutilised state land owned by agencies including the State Railway of Thailand, the Expressway Authority of Thailand and the Treasury Department. The areas would be developed into public parks, sports and community spaces, as well as areas for small-scale vendors.
They will also cooperate on flood prevention, tackling air pollution from open burning, reducing fossil fuel use, easing traffic congestion, and improving Bangkok's electricity and water supply systems.
Mr Anutin said the government would support projects proposed by the governor that are consistent with national policy, with the shared goal of improving residents' quality of life.
Mr Phiphat said the Common Ticketing Act and the Rail Transport Act had completed the legislative process. The government aims to launch the common ticketing system within this year, with fares capped at 45 baht.
