Bangkok's 2026 budget season has arrived, and it's packed with projects that will reshape the city's infrastructure and transportation.
Many of you told me you’re interested in infrastructure and transportation developments. For this special issue, I’ve delved into the city’s budget proposal to bring you an overview of key capital projects planned — so you don’t have to.
From two new public hospitals and a pedestrian bridge across the Chao Phraya River to park improvements and 150 new bus shelters, here’s what the city is planning.
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1. Phra Mongkol Thepmunee Hospital
(Photo from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)
Why it matters: This hospital in Phasi Charoen will offer 150 beds and comprehensive medical services to residents in the district and nearby areas, including Bang Khae, Bang Bon, Rat Burana, Chom Thong, Thon Buri, Bangkok Yai and Taling Chan.
The hospital’s outpatient building has already opened in March 2024. A new 10-story building, a 12-story support building and a one-story, multi-purpose building are part of this plan.
Timeline: The project is set to finish in 2027, with 1 billion baht.
2. Bussarakham Chitkarun Hospital (Sai Mai)
(Photo from Bussarakham Chitkarun Hospital)
Why it matters: This hospital will offer 120 beds for residents in the northern Bangkok areas such as Chatuchak, Bang Sue, Lat Phrao, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Sai Mai and Bang Khen.
The hospital’s outpatient building opened earlier this year. Similarly, a new 10-story building, a 12-story support building and a one-story, multi-purpose building are part of this plan.
Timeline: The project is set to finish in 2028, with 33 million baht.
3. Kiak Kai Bridge
(Photo from Bangkok Public Works Department)
Why it matters: This six-lane bridge project aims to improve the transportation network around the new Parliament House. It will serve as a link between the eastern and western sides of the Chao Phraya River.
The 480-meter bridge is an ongoing project with three sections: the Thonburi side, the middle and the Phra Nakhon side.
Timeline: Officials estimated that the bridge could open in 2027, with the first and second sections completed late 2026. The entire project costs 2.58 billion baht.
4. Victory Monument skywalk
(Photo from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Why it matters: This 1.34-kilometer project, from Victory Monument to Tuk Chai intersection, connects pedestrians to Ramathibodi Hospital.
A pre-development survey found 82% support for the project, with most respondents — 90% from Bangkok — prioritizing CCTV, emergency buttons and links to transit and government buildings.
Timeline: The construction will wrap by April 13, 2026, with a 467-million-baht budget, the city’s spokesperson confirmed.
5. Bang Wa Station skywalk
The picture shows Ratchaphruek Road in front of Soi Ratchaphruek 1 with Bang Wa Station behind. (Screenshot from Google Street View)
Why it matters: This project will provide a covered pedestrian walkway from Bang Wa Station on the Silom Line to Soi Ratchaphruek 1. An elevator will be installed at the overpass (pictured above) as well.
Timeline: The project takes two years to complete, with 39.3 million baht.
6. Platform screen door installation at six BTS stations
(Photo by: ThaimaaOpas/Unsplash)
Why it matters: This project — for Udom Suk, Bang Wa, Bearing, Punnawithi, Bang Na and Thonburi stations — aims to enhance safety by preventing passengers from falling onto the tracks.
Excluding these six stations, there are 18 other stations on the Green Line without a platform screen door, including major ones like Mo Chit, Ari, Ekamai and Ploenchit.
Timeline: For 373 million baht, this project for the six stations will take two years.
7. Newly designed bus shelters
(Photo from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)
Why it matters: This year’s proposal provides 150 newly designed bus shelters, including 100 on the Thonburi side, to offer shade, rain protection and enhance safety at night.
The city said the design is different since it can be adapted to suit different physical conditions and space constraints while minimizing impacts on pedestrians. There are two versions: three seats and six seats.
By the numbers: The city funded 300 shelters in fiscal year 2025, 89 in 2024 and 30 in 2023.
8. Upgrades for five Public Health Centers
Public Health Center 7 in Yan Nawa (Photo from Bangkok Health Department)
Why it matters: The improvements come as several of the 69 Public Health Centers are coping with aging infrastructure, including cramped spaces, water leaks and mold from old drainage systems.
The five projects are at Public Health Centers 15, 24, 32, 42 and 54 in Lat Phrao, Bang Khen, Marit Tintamusik, Thanom Thongsuma and That Aiam, respectively. These include the construction of at least one new building for each and two for some.
Timeline: These ongoing projects take three years and they’re set to finish in 2026. They cost 631 million baht.
9. ‘Green Bridge’ at Lumpini Park
Construction is ongoing for the Green Bridge at Lumpini Park, as of July 2025. (Photo from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)
Why it matters: The renovation of the 1.6-kilometer bridge that connects Lumpini and Benjakitti parks and consists of walkways and bike lanes will enhance its accessibility. The city aims to make the two parks comparable to New York’s Central Park.
This project also includes some demolition work of existing badminton and radio station buildings, public amenity upgrades and some green beautifications.
Timeline: The city said the contract with the construction firm is set to be completed in May 2026. The budget is 50 million baht.
10. Garage at Benjakitti Park
(Photo from Greener Bangkok)
Why it matters: This project addresses parking shortages and improves facilities at the park. The park currently has a parking lot for 260 cars.
The budget proposal doesn’t specify what it would look like. But a previous news report said it’s a four-story building with more than 500 parking spaces.
Timeline: The project will take two years to finish, with 33 million baht.
11. Chao Phraya River pedestrian bridge
Chao Phraya Sky Park (Photo from Greener Bangkok)
What happened: The city hired consultants to study, design and draft an EIA report for a potential pedestrian bridge over the Chao Phraya River, between Phra Pok Klao and Taksin bridges.
The project’s study area is located at Wat Thongthummachat-Sawaddee pier, across from Lhong 1919.
Why it matters: The bridge would link both riverbanks to the mass transit system.
Timeline: This 25-million-baht study phase spans three years starting in 2024. Then an estimated 24-month construction period would follow, according to the city.
12. On Nut-Lat Krabang overpass
Part of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road construction collapsed July 10, 2023. (Photo from Ruamkatanyu Foundation)
Why it matters: This is a continuation of the construction that collapsed in 2023, killing two and injuring 17. This project for a 3.3-kilometer elevated road aims to support community growth in the Lat Krabang area and the Suvarnabhumi Airport.
At the time, preliminary investigations pointed to failure or instability of the launching truss/crane system during the process of tensioning the concrete segments as the cause.
Timeline: With more than 72% progress, city officials said in March that the construction is set to be completed late this year.
13. Other pedestrian-friendly projects include:
A pedestrian bridge across Khlong Bangkok Yai (District Office to Talat Plu)
Under-bridge walkways and pedestrian bridges along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem (five locations)
Sidewalks on Bang Khun Thian Chai Thale Road
Installation of traffic warning flashing lights at 100 crosswalks
Installation of push-button cross signals at 30 crosswalks
Installation of pedestrian guardrails around the city
14. Other road improvement projects include:
Rama 9-MCOT-Phang Muang intersection overpass improvement
A road surface improvement project on Rama 3 Road
A 3-kilometer connection of Phutthamonthon 3 and Phutthamonthon 4 roads
An overpass crossing Rat Phatthana intersection
A connection of Rattanakosin Sompoch and Nimit Mai roads
Prachachuen Road from the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority to Chaeng Watthana Road near the Government Complex
Thoet Damri Road from Saphan Dam to Bang Sue Central Station
Editor’s note: This list isn’t exhaustive. Most projects listed here are managed by the Public Works, Traffic and Transport and Environmental departments.
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