Bangkok’s East Expands: Million-Tree Plan Thriving
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has unveiled a sweeping plan to infuse the city’s eastern suburbs with a vibrant burst of green, aiming to plant over one million trees by April 2026. Announced on March 18, 2025, this ambitious project underscores City Hall’s commitment to environmental enhancement and improved quality of life for residents.
The initiative targets nine districts in East Bangkok. Nong Chok will receive the largest number of new trees—a staggering 400,000. Klong Sam Wa and Lat Krabang will each receive 300,000, while the remaining six districts will each receive 10,000. This strategic distribution aims to maximize impact and ensure a more balanced green canopy across the eastern region.
Governor Sittipunt expressed confidence in the project’s timeline, stating that most districts will see planting completed by the end of 2025. However, due to the scale of the undertaking in Klong Sam Wa and Nong Chok, completion in these districts is anticipated by March and April 2026, respectively.
The chosen tree species will be low-maintenance varieties, ensuring sustainability and minimizing long-term care requirements. Accessibility to water sources for irrigation, particularly via water trucks, is a critical factor in selecting planting locations. Public areas near roads and waterways have been earmarked for the new greenery, maximizing visibility and community benefit. Governor Sittipunt emphasized community involvement, envisioning a collaborative effort between City Hall and local residents to nurture and maintain the burgeoning urban forest.
Fruit trees have been specifically excluded from the plan. The Governor explained that the complexities of fruit tree maintenance, coupled with potential sanitation issues from fallen fruit, make them unsuitable for this project. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Environment will carefully select appropriate species for each locality, considering aesthetic appeal, air purification capabilities, and the potential to enhance existing tourist attractions. Trees known for their ability to trap fine dust, a significant air quality concern in Bangkok, will be prioritized.
This greening initiative runs parallel with another significant urban improvement project. Governor Sittipunt also addressed plans to overhaul the pavements along Asok Road, a bustling thoroughfare connecting the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems. Acknowledging the age and deteriorating condition of the existing pavements—originally laid 30 years ago—the Governor highlighted the need for this upgrade. He noted the high concentration of condominiums, office buildings, and educational institutions along Asok Road, making pedestrian accessibility and safety paramount. Despite ongoing delays in the Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s (MEA) project to relocate power lines underground, City Hall will proceed with pavement renovations without waiting for the MEA’s completion, demonstrating a commitment to expedite crucial infrastructure improvements.
These concurrent initiatives reflect the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s dedication to enhancing both the environmental and infrastructural landscape of the city, ultimately aiming to create a more sustainable, livable, and aesthetically pleasing urban environment for all residents.
