Bangkok-
Bangkok’s Victory Monument, a towering symbol of national pride and a transportation nexus, is on the cusp of its biggest transformation in over two decades.
Announced just days ago, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has greenlit a comprehensive revamp project budgeted at 136 million baht (approximately $4 million USD), aiming to modernize the area while preserving its historical essence. This initiative, approved by the city council on September 15th, 2025, promises to alleviate longstanding issues like traffic congestion, pedestrian hazards, and inadequate public facilities, turning the monument into a more livable and sustainable urban space.
Over the years, the monument has evolved far beyond its military origins. It has become a central transportation hub, serving over 100,000 commuters daily via buses, the BTS Skytrain’s Victory Monument station, and nearby MRT lines. The surrounding area buzzes with street food vendors, markets, shopping malls like Victory Hub, and nightlife, embodying the raw energy of Bangkok’s local culture. However, this growth has also led to overcrowding, unsafe walkways, and environmental strain. In March 2025, the Fine Arts Department officially designated it as an ancient archaeological site, showing its cultural and historical value while adding layers of protection for any redevelopment efforts.
The monument has also played a pivotal role in modern Thai politics, frequently serving as a gathering point for protests. From the 2014 coup demonstrations to recent rallies in June and August 2025 against government policies, it remains a symbol of public dissent and resilience.
The revamp, described by BMA officials as the “biggest in 20 years,” focuses on enhancing pedestrian safety, public transport efficiency, and green spaces without altering the monument’s core structure. Funded by a combination of 46.5 million baht from the city council and an additional 90 million baht specifically for landscape and bus stop upgrades, the project received strong support from government officials.
At the heart of the plan is the creation of an extensive network of covered walkways and skywalks encircling the four traffic islands around the monument. These will connect seamlessly to the existing Ratchawithi skywalk, forming a continuous pedestrian corridor that links to eight major hospitals in the area—from Victory Monument to the Tuek Chai intersection. This “medical hub pathway” will allow safe, weather-protected walking routes for patients, visitors, and commuters, reducing reliance on vehicles in a district dense with healthcare facilities.
Public transport users will benefit from redesigned bus stops, including longer waiting areas, improved bus parking systems, and better integration with the BTS and MRT. Facilities for wheelchair users and the elderly, such as ramps and accessible seating, are also prioritized to make the space more inclusive. To combat Bangkok’s urban heat and pollution, the project includes planting additional trees and expanding green spaces, making a “Car Free Everyday” ethos as promoted by BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo.
BMA officials stress that these changes go beyond aesthetics; they aim to build a foundation for improved quality of life.
The total 136 million baht allocation reflects a commitment to practical urban development, though it faced some debate at the subcommittee level over cost reductions. Despite this, the Pheu Thai-led council passed it overwhelmingly, viewing it as essential for a vital transit node. Construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with completion targeted within 18-24 months, pending environmental and heritage approvals due to the site’s protected status.
Challenges ahead include minimizing disruptions to the area’s high foot traffic and coordinating with transport authorities like the BTS and bus operators. BMA has promised community consultations to incorporate feedback from locals and vendors, ensuring the revamp respects the monument’s role as a cultural and protest landmark.
