Another source of pride for Bayer is its contribution to enhancing the landscape of Bangkok, starting with the Samphanthawong district, which has transformed manhole covers along Yaowarat Road using Bayer paint products such as Bayer Rustguard, Bayer Floraguard 21H B Coating, Bayer Duraten, and Bayer Uniteen B-4000. The artistic creations by renowned designers have turned the manhole covers of Yaowarat into a new check-in spot, stretching from Odeon Circle to Phanu Phan Bridge (Klong Ong Ang), totaling 226 covers divided into two types: drain covers and decorative solid covers. The design of the drain covers features three styles: bats with coins, auspicious geometric shapes of the Chinese octagon, and ancient Chinese coins. Meanwhile, the decorative solid covers come in 18 designs, including the seven heavens, Chinese banquet tables, opera houses, and the old Yaowarat market, each design telling a story from the past of the old city to the history of those streets, reminding us of the past. For instance, the design of the old Yaowarat market symbolizes “Lao Tak Luk,” an ancient market located in the heart of Yaowarat, surrounded by many significant places such as the Kuan Yu Shrine, Sampeng, and Soi Hong Kom. Although it has adapted over time, it remains a source of traditional goods like dried foods, salted fish, dried squid, dried shrimp, and fish maw. It is also a hub for various restaurants, street vendors, and food stalls, making it a dragon's belly where one can enjoy delicious food day and night. Additionally, the design of the Leng Buai Eak market represents the bustling atmosphere during the Chinese festival when people flock to buy fresh and dried ingredients, snacks, or seasonings for Chinese cooking in Bangkok. During the festival, Soi Leng Buai Eak is crowded with families shopping for “Sasa” or “Huang Sasa,” as it offers a wide variety of products and shops that understand customer needs, making it a one-stop shop.

This project has garnered significant attention, transforming neglected old manhole covers into works of art that reflect the lifestyle of Thai and Thai-Chinese people from the past to the present. Eight artists collaborated on this project: 1. Mr. Thanakorn Deewam 2. Mr. Waraphak Thasmakorn 3. Mr. Natthaporn Wesaratchakool 4. Ms. Dusita Warapongsitthikul 5. Mr. Thantai Phornjanthong 6. Mr. Jurith Kangwanphum 7. Ms. Ratchadaporn Hemjinda, and 8. Mr. Phattharayut Watthanapanit, along with over five experienced project advisors, including Wisit Techakasem, an advisor on art and feng shui/architecture, Somchai Kwangthongpanit, an advisor on local history in Yaowarat – China, Prida Pratthajariya, an advisor on culture and the lifestyle of the Chinese community in Chinatown, Nithiwut Sriboonchaiyusak, an advisor on the Chinese language and calligraphy, and Dr. Pairoj Pithayameethi, an advisor on design and visual communication, who all came together to create chic art on manhole covers around the city, inviting people of all ages to check in with these stylish covers throughout the city. In the future, Bayer plans to collaborate with both public and private sectors to enhance the landscape and promote check-in spots for various tourist attractions for both Thai citizens and foreigners to create lasting memories together...

Finally, we have a prize from Bayer for you! Not only can you take cool photos to post in your stylish way, but you can also enter to win prizes with the “Snap & Share: Pin Your Check-in at Yaowarat Manhole Covers” activity from Bayer paint. Read the details of the activity here >> https://bit.ly/497GERS