In the near future, the electric train and rail mass transit systems will become the "heart" of life in Bangkok, and we can confidently affirm this. In 2020, the rail mass transit system in the city, particularly the electric train, will undergo significant changes. The most exciting development will undoubtedly be the opening of the "Bang Sue Grand Station", which is anticipated to be the largest train station in Thailand and ASEAN.

            A condominium project that is alarmingly close to the Bang Sue Grand Station is the IDEO MOBI BANGSUE GRAND INTERCHANGE, developed by Ananda Development, a well-known real estate developer. The IDEO MOBI BANGSUE GRAND INTERCHANGE is located just about 900 meters from the station building (measured from the current construction site). This means that it can connect travel conveniently in a heartbeat, as Bang Sue Grand Station will take us in all directions, both within Bangkok and to other provinces.

            In this article, we will explore the advantages of the location of the IDEO MOBI BANGSUE GRAND INTERCHANGE being close to the station building, and how the opening of the Bang Sue Grand Station can create changes in Bangkok.

Bang Sue Grand Station: A Comprehensive Transportation Hub

            The area of Bang Sue Grand Station is grand and impressive, comparable to two Baiyoke Tower 2 buildings placed side by side horizontally, or it can accommodate a number of people equivalent to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The station will measure 244 meters wide, 596.6 meters long, and 43 meters high.

            The most significant aspect of Bang Sue Grand Station is its role as a junction for all future train lines, including 10 platforms for high-speed trains, 8 platforms for long-distance trains, 8 platforms for suburban trains, and 2 platforms for the airport rail link. It will also connect with the BTS at Mo Chit Station, the MRT at Chatuchak and Kamphaeng Phet stations, and there are plans to integrate with the eastern high-speed rail line currently under development.

A Station That Offers More Than Just Travel: The Most Comprehensive in the Country

            The design of Bang Sue Grand Station includes comprehensive facilities for passengers. The station consists of 4 floors, each designed to accommodate activities for travelers, waiting passengers, and those spending time there. The details of Bang Sue Grand Station are as follows:

  • Level 1 (Basement) - The basement connects to the MRT Blue Line for convenient transfers. It also features a parking area for up to 1,700 vehicles, allowing for short-term Park & Ride. Additionally, there are walkways connecting to the MRT stations at Kamphaeng Phet and Chatuchak, with an estimated walking distance of only about 0.5 to 1.5 kilometers.
  • Level 2 - Designed as a Services Floor, this level will host shops, a shopping mall, restaurants, and other services to ensure maximum convenience for passengers. It resembles major train stations abroad that offer a full range of shops and services. This level also has a connection to the BTS at Mo Chit Station.
  • Level 3 - This level features platforms for long-distance and high-speed trains, including the northern, eastern, and southern lines, with highlights that allow passengers to enjoy views of the surrounding city.
  • Level 4 - This level is for suburban trains, including the red line from Bang Sue to Rangsit and Bang Sue to Taling Chan, where passengers can also enjoy city views.

In-Depth Look at the Bang Sue Grand Station Project

            According to the development plan for Bang Sue Grand Station, there are plans to develop the surrounding areas as well, under the project name "Phahonyothin Transportation Center". The area is designed using the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept, similar to other train stations abroad, and is divided into 6 major zones:

  • Zone A: Smart Business Complex - Located south of Bang Sue Grand Station, covering approximately 35 rai, designated for commercial development in the form of retail shops, restaurants, beverage outlets, and logistics service businesses, as well as hotels supporting travel activities.
  • Zone B: ASEAN Commercial and Business Hub - Covering approximately 78 rai, developed as a wholesale and retail commercial area, building on the Chatuchak market. It will also feature modern office buildings, hotels for business travelers, exhibition halls, conference centers, and accommodations.
  • Zone C: Smart Healthy and Vibrant - Covering approximately 105 rai, currently home to the Transport Company Limited (Bor.Kor.Sor.), this area will be developed into residential spaces adjacent to leisure areas and workplaces.
  • Zone D: World Renowned Garden Interchange Plaza - Covering approximately 80 rai, developed as a transportation hub and connecting walkways for the transport system.
  • Railway Industrial Zone Km. 11 - Covering approximately 279 rai, this area will be divided into office buildings, international conference and exhibition centers, international hospitals, residential areas near parks, and accommodations for railway staff.

If the area of over 2,235 rai is fully developed, we can expect to see a New Town in Bangkok, potentially creating another New CBD. The allocation of space for the development of Bang Sue Grand Station is intriguing due to its high land utilization and intense activities, along with the fundamental factors of being a Grand Station that attracts travel and traffic throughout the day.

How Will Bang Sue Grand Station "Change" Traditional Bangkok?

            Naturally, when change occurs, it brings about transformations. TerraBKK has hypothesized based on the development plans and details of the station, comparing them with changes in major stations abroad. It is believed that the opening of Bang Sue Grand Station will lead to the following changes:

  • Intense competition in commercial area development

            With the change in land use, there will naturally be a transformation of activities in the area as well. Given the excellent urban planning potential, the area surrounding the Phahonyothin Transportation Center has two land use regulations: red commercial (P.3) and high-density residential (Y.8 and Y.9), which already have high potential. This allows for diverse land development opportunities, along with convenient access by both private vehicles and public transport. Additionally, the large Chatuchak market attracts significant traffic.

It is anticipated that once Bang Sue Grand Station opens, traffic in the area will increase several times over. The competition for commercial area development in the form of shops, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, community malls, and other services will undoubtedly follow, similar to the development around the Osaka Station in Osaka, Japan, where the surrounding area is utilized intensively for commercial purposes, housing shopping centers, department stores, brand-name stores, and a Ferris wheel viewpoint that serves as a landmark of Osaka (HEP FIVE). The pedestrian areas are larger and more proportionate than the roads, emphasizing connectivity through walking, akin to the planned development of the Phahonyothin Transportation Center.

Competition in accommodation businesses from budget to luxury

Taipei Main Station, which is a transportation hub for both urban and interprovincial travel in Taipei, is a popular accommodation choice for tourists from all directions. This phenomenon is likely to occur around Bang Sue Grand Station as well, as most tourists prefer accommodations that are convenient, clean, and safe. Therefore, accommodation businesses ranging from hostels, serviced apartments, to five-star hotels may emerge in this area, including rental businesses like AIRBNB. In fact, there are over 300 AIRBNB listings within a 2-kilometer radius of Taipei Main Station.

            The arrival of Bang Sue Grand Station and the development of the Phahonyothin Transportation Center not only represent infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for urban residents but also signify the emergence of a NEW CITY that is a comprehensive city (Complex City) in Thailand. The construction of Bang Sue Grand Station is currently underway, with the roof and structural framework being developed. As of November 2017, the progress is approximately 50%, and it is expected to open for service by 2020.

Image source:  https://www.home.co.th/

            The IDEO MOBI BANGSUE GRAND INTERCHANGE is now ready for occupancy, with prices starting at 3.29 million THB.* Join us for the Big Surprise event where a deposit of 10,000 THB can secure offers worth over half a million THB.* On November 11-12, at the sales office of the IDEO MOBI BANGSUE GRAND INTERCHANGE. Interested parties can register by clicking https://goo.gl/p2GkrW.

Thank you for the information from: www.ananda.co.th