South Sukhumvit Coalition, formed by a collaboration of public and private sectors in the On Nut-Bang Na area, is working together to develop the South Sukhumvit district into a Creativity Playground, a fully-equipped ecosystem ready to be a hub for innovative creativity. This initiative aligns with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's policy to develop South Sukhumvit as a small-scale commercial area and as an innovation district according to the National Innovation Agency's (NIA) innovation district development policy. The first project kicks off with the push for South Sukhumvit to participate as one of the creative districts in Bangkok Design Week 2024 (BKKDW2024).

Mr. Ongsa Janya Prasert, Director of the Cloud 11 Project, stated, "South Sukhumvit is one of the rapidly developing areas due to its proximity to Bangkok's economic center, complete infrastructure, and numerous large-scale development projects. This makes South Sukhumvit a residential and working area with the potential to become a small-scale commercial district and a new innovation hub for Bangkok. It requires collaboration from various sectors to create a complete ecosystem for development. The South Sukhumvit Coalition emerged from the collaboration of government agencies and local entrepreneurs who share the same goal of making this area livable and suitable for everyone, combining diverse interests, abilities, and urban development approaches to enhance and complement each other. We are committed to driving South Sukhumvit into a Creativity Playground, an ecosystem ready to be a source of innovative creativity in terms of livability, workability, and opportunities for everyone to create new things."

Bangkok Design Week serves as a kick-off project for the South Sukhumvit Coalition, aiming to introduce the South Sukhumvit area to both locals and outsiders through creative works that showcase the district's unique identity, perfectly blending innovation (Innovation Hub) and local charm. The goal is to attract both Thai and international tourists, stimulating the economy and creative culture within South Sukhumvit.

“Government agencies, entrepreneurs, creators, and the local community in South Sukhumvit are all striving to make this area grow and become more livable in their respective fields of expertise. The Coalition believes that Bangkok Design Week is a great platform for everyone to share what they are doing and present their perspectives on creating a Livable Space in their own way, which will foster collaboration and development, leading to a strong urban development path together,”

In participating in Bangkok Design Week 2024, South Sukhumvit presents under the theme “Discover South Sukhumvit... The Balance of Innovation and Local Charm,” showcasing the unique lifestyle of the South Sukhumvit area through four main activities: (1) Diverse Exhibitions such as the Creator Station by Cloud 11, NICE TO MEET YOU SUNA NEIGHBOURMOVE Immersive Tunnel Exhibition by BHIRAJ BURI GROUP, and Perfect Doughnut in the Right Moment Installation Art by DROP BY DOUGH; (2) International Forums and Workshops including the Politics of Food forum by Books & Belongings, an in-depth discussion on Bangkok Service Design Jam focusing on Service Design strategies and AI for business enhancement by Creative Lab by MQDC in collaboration with True Digital Park, and a workshop on Healthy Urban Farming by Chia Tai Co., Ltd.; (3) Creative Market and Promotional Activities including Vaslab Convergence of Market by Vaslab Architecture and SUNA Market by BHIRAJ BURI GROUP; and (4) Music Performances and Tours.

These include the PKN Music Awards Season 2 music contest organized by the Phra Khanong District Office and the SPACE SEEKING South Sukhumvit Architectural Tour by Creative Lab by MQDC in collaboration with True Digital Park, totaling over 25 programs from 16 organizations, held over nine days from January 27 to February 4, 2024, along Sukhumvit Road from On Nut BTS Station to Bang Na BTS Station.

Mr. Trin Nilakorn, co-founder of the AI-Deate platform, spoke about the success of the ‘PAINT YOUR PARK: Small People Design Big Cities’ event, which invited community members to propose ideas for improving urban and public spaces in South Sukhumvit, stating, “It’s not just entrepreneurs; the people in South Sukhumvit are very eager to participate in developing this area. This is evident from over 300 submissions for urban improvement ideas, which is a positive sign for future activities or projects of the Coalition. To improve the city, collaboration from all sectors is essential.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Pitiphat Buri, CEO of Bhiraj Buri Group, discussed the group's involvement in organizing activities for South Sukhumvit during Bangkok Design Week 2024, stating, “We have designed three programs for the South Sukhumvit area during the festival, including SUNA NEIGHBOURMOVE (an exhibition about Sukhumvit-Bang Na and the SUNA Market), Rod Daeng Park (a mobile park to the community), and Active Lifestyle Spaces of South Sukhumvit (a health-promoting circle), all of which have received great interest and positive feedback from visitors, especially students and young people. This marks the beginning of igniting knowledge, entertainment, health, and a good environment, which can lead to other projects in the future to create a sustainable community and society.”

“The participation in Bangkok Design Week this time has received a warm response, with South Sukhumvit becoming more recognized and an increase in tourism within the area. Moving forward, the South Sukhumvit Coalition plans to drive the South Sukhumvit area according to the Phra Khanong-Bang Na development strategy, established through discussions among all sectors, including public, private, and community (Public Private People Partnerships). The focus will be on fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs to create a livable environment, promote a new economy through innovation and tourism within the area, and enhance the quality of life for the community and society, aiming to transform South Sukhumvit into a livable innovation district for everyone,” Mr. Ongsa concluded.

Stay updated on the activities and developments of the South Sukhumvit Coalition in the future via the Facebook Fan Page: South Sukhumvit.