Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Khlong Toei District Office, Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), and Ichitan Group PCL have joined forces to transform an unused space under the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway at Sukhumvit Soi 50 into a public park called “Suan 50 Suk” (สวน 50 สุข). This collaboration aims to revitalize the area, create value, and connect the community while increasing green space and helping to alleviate PM 2.5 dust pollution in line with the “One Million Trees” planting project and the “15-Minute Park” policy of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
“Suan 50 Suk” covers an area of 12 rai, 3 ngan, and 82 square wa (approximately 3 acres) and is located near the expressway exit on Sukhumvit Soi 50. The park is designed according to the 3+2×10 concept to stimulate the production of 3 happiness hormones: serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. People of all ages and interests can use the park to relax and exercise amidst the lush greenery, which will naturally boost their happiness hormones.
The park features a variety of spaces, from quiet walking paths to a sports field that will get your heart pumping and even a dog park for furry friends. The park also incorporates 2 elements that promote mental well-being: Art & Earth. Visitors can enjoy outdoor art installations that spark imagination and creativity amidst the green trees and eco-friendly landscaping, connecting people with nature. The park is designed to multiply happiness x10, as every activity, sports field, path, and artwork allows community members to invite friends, family, and even pets to share happiness, health, and well-being.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said, “Suan 50 Suk is a symbol of the collaboration between the public and private sectors, which share the same goal of prioritizing the community’s physical and mental health and the environment’s health. Suan 50 Suk is designed to be more than just a green space; it is a space that promotes happiness through physical health, strong relationships at both the family and community levels, and a connection to nature. It also aims to instill environmental awareness and support the ‘One Million Trees’ planting project to combat air pollution, create green spaces for recreation, and enhance the biodiversity of Bangkok’s landscape. I would like to invite all Bangkokians, especially those in the surrounding communities, to help take care of this park so that it can care for our community and create happiness every day.”
Dr. Woraprach Phongpongsri, Deputy Governor (Legal) of the Expressway Authority of Thailand, said about the support, “EXAT is delighted to be a part of the collaboration to transform the unused space under the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway at Sukhumvit Soi 50 into Suan 50 Suk (Sukhumvit Soi 50) public park for the health and environmental benefits of the community. EXAT has granted permission to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (Khlong Toei District Office) to use the land under the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway at Sukhumvit Soi 50, Sai Tri Chalermprakiat Park, to develop it into a public park (15-Minute Park) with a total area of 5,182 square wa (12 rai, 3 ngan, 82 square wa) for 5 years. EXAT would like to thank Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Khlong Toei District Office, Ichitan Group PCL, and PTT Global Chemical PCL for their collaboration in transforming the area into Suan 50 Suk.”
Mr. Tan Passakornnatee, CEO of Ichitan Group PCL, spoke about the company’s intention to support government agencies in environmental matters and the concept behind the development of Suan 50 Suk, “My happiness comes from planting trees and seeing them grow in different places. The green color of the trees is easy on the eyes. I am proud to be a small part of helping reduce the world’s temperature. When I learned about the ‘One Million Trees’ planting project and the ’15-Minute Park’ policy of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt in 2022, I and Ichitan employees volunteered to increase green space in Bangkok. In addition to designing and supporting the rehabilitation of the area along the expressway to transform it into ‘Suan 50 Suk’, today Ichitan executives and employees will plant 1,000 trees. These 1,000 trees are part of our New Year’s Resolution to plant 10,000 trees by this year.
Within “Suan 50 Suk”, Ichitan has collaborated with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) to implement a Closed Loop waste management system. This promotes the community’s understanding of the benefits of a circular economy through their participation in proper waste segregation, enabling waste recycling, and creating new value. Ichitan believes that, in reality, there is no such thing as waste if we all consume responsibly, cooperate in separating waste, and reintroduce it into the production process for recycling – thus sustainably caring for the environment. “Suan 50 Suk” is the joy that Ichitan employees wish to pay to society as a token of gratitude for the continual support everyone has given the company.
Dr. Chaya Chandavasu, Executive Vice President of Sustainability at PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, commented on this collaboration: “As a leader in the chemical business emphasizing sustainable operations by applying circular economy principles, GC supports efficient resource utilization in line with its Net Zero strategy by 2050.
To help address plastic waste issues in Thailand, GC has extended the circular economy principles to social initiatives through the ‘YOUturn Platform,’ used plastics will be collected, starting from designated disposal points, to encourage proper waste segregation
for convenience. The separated plastics will then be transported back into the production cycle, substantially reducing the pathway of plastic waste to landfills. GC is delighted to introduce ‘YOUturn’ to manage used plastics and support Suan 50 Suk public park as a pilot area to promote the circular economy concept in daily life, benefiting from ‘plastics returning to the city.’ This will help create happiness and a better environment for everyone in the community going forward.”
Make it a better place for you & for me. Enjoy good health and quality of life by utilizing the free services at “Suan 50 Suk” today!
