MRTA eyes Japan model for Praram 9

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is adopting Japan’s well-established Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model as it prepares to launch its first commercial land development project early next year.

- SUPOJ WANCHAROEN

The project will be launched in Bangkok’s fast-rising business hub of Praram 9 (Rama IX). The initiative follows a study visit led by MRTA's deputy governor Pattanaphong Phongsupatsamit at Japan's Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), the state enterprise responsible for major TOD schemes across the country.

Moritani Koichiro, associate vice president for UR’s Global Affairs, said Japan’s 30-hectare (187.5-rai) Shinagawa Project is a rail-linked urban development which stretches from Shinagawa Station to the Takanawa Gateway Station with investment worth 25 billion baht.

Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the development would boast mixed-use planning, with residential units, office buildings, hotels, retail zones, supermarkets and mobility hubs all interlinked.