Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, stated, "A city's creativity doesn't depend on cars. That's the 20th century. We're in the 21st." Her words are a reminder of how cities can—and must—evolve. Let’s look at Bangkok now. While Paris has taken significant steps to reduce its reliance on cars, this vision of a car-free or car-lite city faces different challenges in Bangkok. But what if we dared to dream about what a transformed Bangkok could look like?
Bangkok is a bustling, vibrant mega city, but it is also infamous for its traffic jams. Cars are deeply embedded in the city's daily life. Unlike cities such as Paris, where public transportation is extensive and walking is relatively convenient, Bangkok has unique hurdles that make people rely on cars. The tropical heat, the unpredictable monsoon rains, limited public transportation coverage, and the fact that much of the city is not designed for walking or cycling—all contribute to a heavy dependence on cars.
But what if Bangkok could step into this dream of a less car-dependent future? Could we reimagine a cityscape where roads are not merely designed for vehicles but as spaces for people? Let's explore this vision, knowing the reality is tough.
The dream: Bangkok's car-lite transformation
In our dream version of Bangkok, we begin with a vast network of shaded, tree-lined sidewalks—cool, welcoming pathways for pedestrians. In this city, the streets are more than just roads; they are lively boulevards with local markets, cafés, and greenery. A city where walking becomes an attractive option, even under the sun, because the sidewalks are wide, well-maintained, and lined with trees that offer natural shade and reduce heat.
We imagine a city where bicycles and electric scooters drive past in dedicated lanes. These lanes are safely separated from other vehicles, encouraging more people to embrace active mobility. In this vision, the city has introduced public bike-sharing programs with easily accessible stations across every neighborhood. Biking or scootering through Bangkok feels safe, enjoyable, and even invigorating.
Public transportation is the lifeline of this dream city. Imagine an extended network of electric buses and trains that covers every corner of Bangkok. These vehicles run frequently, are cooled with energy-efficient airconditioning, and provide a reliable alternative to private cars. Where public transport may still not be possible, Bangkok’s famous motorbike taxis have gone electric, gliding quietly through the city.
This Bangkok also embraces multi-modal mobility hubs—integrated spaces where you can effortlessly switch from a train to a bus, to a bike, or to a boat. The Chao Phraya River becomes an water highway or big water square, with sleek, solar-powered water taxis ferrying commuters while offering a scenic alternative to the roadways.
Reclaiming space for creativity and resilience
In this vision, many of the city's roads have been repurposed. Imagine areas where multi-lane streets have been reduced to single lane, their edges transformed into green belts with parks, urban gardens, and public plazas. These spaces encourage social interactions, creativity, and a stronger sense of community—like Hidalgo’s message that a city’s vibrancy is about people, not cars.
The transformation goes beyond just mobility. This new Bangkok is a city that is more resilient to the impacts of climate change. With fewer cars, the air is cleaner, and the heat islands— urban zones that are excessively hot due to concrete and asphalt—begin to cool. Urban agriculture pops up in surprising places, from rooftop gardens to small patches along streetsides, providing fresh produce and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Reality check: Bangkok’s tough road ahead
Now, as exciting as this vision is, we have to acknowledge the harsh reality. Bangkok faces challenges that are deeply rooted in its culture, climate, and infrastructure. People use cars not just out of preference, but out of necessity. The intense heat and humidity make walking or cycling uncomfortable for most of the year. The city's public transportation, though expanding, still lacks the reach needed to serve every neighborhood. Moreover, the city's rapid urbanization and population density mean changes cannot happen overnight.
But dreams like this are vital. They give us a direction to move toward. A car-lite Bangkok will require policy shifts, massive investment in public infrastructure, cultural changes, and technological innovation. Addressing the climate challenge as Hidalgo did, means thinking big and daring to envision what could be, even if the present obstacles seem too high.
Building toward the vision
The road ahead is complex, but that doesn't mean we cannot begin the journey. Small steps, like increasing the frequency of public transport, adding more green spaces, building shaded pedestrian paths, and implementing car-free zones in selected districts, could pave the way. In addition, creating incentives for electric vehicles and expanding the public transit network are incremental but impactful moves.
Bangkok may not be Paris, and its challenges are unique. However, by envisioning a city where cars don't define urban life, we plant the seeds of change. Little by little, each improvement can bring Bangkok closer to a city that prioritizes creativity, resilience, and sustainability—without being wholly dependent on cars.
After all, every great transformation begins with a dream. Let's hold onto this vision for a car-lite Bangkok, even as we navigate the tough realities of today.
Tjakko Dijk - Sustainable Urbanist and Founder/Director of UrbanSphere Solutions, Bangkok.
Tjakko Dijk is a passionate urbanist with experience in sustainable city development in Europe, Australia and Asia. Driven by a vision for greener, more resilient cities, he seeks innovative solutions to transform urban environments into livable spaces for all.
