:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies
http://TuEngr.com
ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8
FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE
Vol.17(1) (2026) |
Walkability Around The Grand Palace in Bangkok
Alif Samsey, Bhattraradej Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, THAILAND), and
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, Dhofar University, SULTANATE of OMAN).
Discipline: Multidisciplinary (Urban Analysis & Infrastructure Management).
Keywords: Walkability analysis; Temple of the Emerald Buddha; Wat Phra Kaew; Pedestrian environment; Rattanakosin Island; Heritage tourism; Bangkok; Historic urban landscape; Pedestrian infrastructure; Smart city; Inclusive cities; Urban mobility; Rattanakosin Island; Framework for heritage walkability; Walk score; Food walk.
AbstractThis paper analyzes walkability around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). The place is in the historic complex of Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok, Thailand. Also, it is an important Buddhist site. It is also a big tourist spot. Millions of people visit every year. It deals with mass tourism, improve urban mobility, and enhance pedestrian experiences. This study analyzes walkability based on four points: 1) the quality of pedestrian infrastructure, 2) access to important services and facilities, 3) safety and security conditions, and 4) experiential factors and environmental comfort. The Rattanakosin Island has been improved to be more pedestrian-friendly and smart under Thailand's National Charter. However, there are still problems. These include broken sidewalk networks, heavy traffic during busy times and festivals, not enough shade and relief from the heat because of Bangkok's tropical weather, not enough facilities for people who need extra help, and conflicts between the Royal Household's vehicle access needs and the goals of making the area better for pedestrians. The study highlights current policy efforts like the Transport System in Rattanakosin Island Study Project, BMA's bike lane network, and the larger smart city development plan as important first steps. However, it also points out that the implementation is still scattered and that principles focused on pedestrians have not been consistently used in managing heritage areas. This paper suggests a combined approach for assessing walkability in heritage sites specifically for sacred places in urban Southeast Asia and gives practical ideas for improving infrastructure, managing mobility, and promoting inclusive design. It should be noted that The Grand Palace area has a Walk Score of 86 out of 100.Paper ID: 17A1B
Cite this article:
Samsey, A., Witchayangkoon, B.B., and Arab, Y. (2026). Walkability Around The Grand Palace in Bangkok. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 17(1), 17A1B, 1-20. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.2
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Other issues:
Vol.16(4)(2025)
Vol.16(3)(2025)
Vol.17(2)(2026)
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