One of Bangkok’s notorious red light districts, Rattanakosin Island, is to be transformed along the lines of a Cotswold village.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was reportedly inspired after a Thai government delegation visited the village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
It is known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, so there are some similarities with the canals of Rattanakosin Island, but it is still nevertheless an ambitious aim.
Rattanakosin Island is unlikely to see the mini-skirted streetwalkers being replaced by Morris dancers or cream teas and scones being preferred to the ubiquitous bowls of Pad Thai noodles. Humanlife
”Yellow star flowers will be cultivated along the canals. Old buildings will be renovated and repainted in soft yellow,” defence ministry permanent secretary Gen Nat Intarachareon told the Bangkok Post.
Work has already begun to dredge the dirty canals and solar-powered floating water cleaners are being installed.
”The second part of the plan is to re-adjust this area and landscape so it is not suitable for prostitution. New public activities should be introduced to the area to encourage tourism,” said Phaitoon Khamparat of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, adding that prostitution there is ‘damaging the image of Thailand.’
