Food lovers' magnet on life support as Chinese lose appetite

Once an unremarkable 2.5-kilometre stretch tucked behind Chulalongkorn University and the National Stadium in Bangkok's Pathumwan district, Banthat Thong Road has, in recent years, transformed into a buzzing food haven — only to now face a dramatic downturn.

- SOOKSODSAI SOOKSOMCHITRA

The street's renaissance began just a few years ago, driven by rapid modernisation and development initiatives spearheaded by Chulalongkorn University. This revitalisation attracted young restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs, turning Banthat Thong into a magnet for food lovers. At its peak, the area, which officially stretches from Phet Phra Ram intersection to Saphan Lueng intersection, drew tens of thousands of daily visitors, becoming a vibrant culinary hotspot.

However, this meteoric rise was not without criticism. Some said the scene was overhyped, with inflated prices and influencer-driven reviews that didn’t always match reality.

Fast forward to today, and Banthat Thong almost resembles a shadow of its former self. Foot traffic has plummeted, and the once-bustling food strip now feels eerily quiet. Photographs taken on the evening of Friday, May 23, paint a stark picture: shuttered storefronts, brightly lit but nearly empty restaurants, and pavements devoid of the energy that once defined the area. Business owners are grappling with mounting losses as customer numbers dwindle. Friday evenings, typically the busiest time of the week, now pass with minimal activity.