The Marine Department is about to reopen the Tha Tien pier in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district after extensive renovation work. Kritpetch Chaichuay, the director general of the Navy, reported that the department, working with the Crown Property Bureau, has improved both the pier and surrounding facilities. These improvements aim to better fit in with the historic architecture of the area and have received approval from the committee charged with the preservation of Rattanakosin and other ancient towns.
With a renovation budget of 39 million baht, the aim is for the renovated pier to reopen in March. The upgraded facilities are designed to improve water transportation on the Chao Phraya River and will support water buses and ferries. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy facilities such as covered waiting areas, wheelchair accessibility, parking facilities, information screens and audio systems.
The project includes more than just the Tha Tien pier; the Marine Department plans to renovate a total of 29 piers along the Chao Phraya River, which will serve as water bus stops. To date, renovation work has been completed on nine piers, and work is underway on several others, including the piers at Phra Pinklao, Rama V and Kiakkai. These are expected to be completed within the year. There are further plans to renovate four more piers next year, with the ultimate aim of completing all upgrades by 2026.