Bangkok and UK hold talks on transport and climate resilience

Public transport, air quality and protection against floods and extreme heat were on the agenda at an October 12 meeting between Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and UK climate representative Rachel Kyte.

The two rode the BTS from National Stadium station and stopped at the Pathumwan Skywalk. They examined connections across transport modes and development near transit stations, with Rama IX and the Thailand Cultural Centre among the locations covered.

Separately, Bangkok is weighing congestion charges and zones restricting high-emission vehicles as options for easing traffic and pollution. The city is studying London's approach to low-emission zones, managing data and training an electric-vehicle workforce.

Flood measures considered during the talks ranged from drainage improvements and spaces to retain water to parks that absorb floodwater, permeable paving and warning systems. Heat preparations included adding more 15-minute parks and cooling spaces intended for vulnerable groups.

The air-pollution discussion addressed stronger diesel-emission controls, Bangkok's Green List system, factory emissions, open burning and greater use of monitoring data. Urban data centres were also considered, particularly their noise, heat, water consumption and implications for community safety.

Access to climate funding, including the Climate Finance Accelerator, was identified as a potential avenue for cooperation. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Britain's embassy in Thailand are scheduled to publish a video of approximately 90 seconds from the visit on October 31.