The Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage has partnered with Amarin Group to showcase the potential of organizing WOW 2022 - A Marvelous Livable City along with four partner organizations led by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Office of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), and the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization). This marks the first time that government agencies, private sectors, organizations, institutions, and the public have come together to organize events and activities that create experiences and dreams for developing a livable city that everyone can contribute to sustainably.

Pipat Rujirasopon, Secretary-General of the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage, revealed that this event has received cooperation from government agencies, private sectors, organizations, and the public to jointly define the future of the city for the better quality of life for everyone. It is a platform for exchange, learning, and networking for urban development and future living, aiming to create hope and find ways to make the dream city a reality. This aligns with the main objectives of the Association of Siamese Architects, which recognizes that urban development and promoting the well-being of residents are crucial issues that require collaboration. Thus, the WOW (Wonder of Well-being) 2022 “A Marvelous Livable City” event was organized as a new platform to raise awareness about livable cities and encourage action towards achieving a better quality of life together, as cities are a matter for everyone.

Paitaya Banjakittikhun, Vice President of the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage and Chair of the WOW A Marvelous Livable City event, stated that Thailand is seen as a livable city in the eyes of the world. Every livable city has aspects that need continuous improvement through the cooperation of everyone. WOW 2022 is a vibrant city festival born from the hope and dreams of wanting Thailand to have a platform where everyone, regardless of their skills, can come together to open perspectives, minds, and creativity to build “Our Livable City.” WOW 2022 emphasizes the concept of “Well-being City” because the importance of a livable city differs from merely a city that is habitable. It involves planning from infrastructure systems, utilities, and collaboration from residents to find ways to develop the city to be vibrant and responsive to contemporary changes, as well as creating an understanding of what a livable city is. Therefore, it is essential for us to collaborate to lead to targeted urban development planning and a shared vision of a good city. The highlights of the event are divided into four categories:

  • Thematic Pavilion
  • Festival in the Park
  • Market Place
  • Activities outside Benjakitti Park, presented in five main formats including:
    - Lectures, discussions, co-creation, and exhibitions
    - Awards for urban development groups
    - Festival activities in the park
    - Recreational activities such as architecture and lifestyle tours, photography contests, running events, etc.

Jeramai Pitakwong, Managing Director of Media & Event Business at Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Company Limited (Amarin Group), as a co-organizer of this event, stated that one of the potentials for competing to be a world-class city is to be a livable city where people can truly live happily. It is not just about the prosperity of beautiful, modern buildings or low labor costs that attract investment to open factories, nor is it merely about being a short-term tourist destination ranked among the world's best. A livable city is similar to a comfortable home where everyone feels personal, safe, convenient, free, and relaxed, living happily with others in a large house called a city, with public spaces that serve as communal living rooms accessible to everyone equally. This is why we chose to hold this event in a public park. We believe that cities with frequent activities in such spacious living rooms will foster creativity, stimulate the economy at various levels, and blend diverse cultures harmoniously. We hope that every exhibition and activity we organize here will inspire everyone to envision the livable city we can create together.

For the discussion on the topic “WOW A Marvelous Livable City”, we are honored to have Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Natt Krutsut, Director of Activities at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Suwatchai Nimmantewin, Director of the Central and Eastern Region Office of the Office of the National Convention and Exhibition (Public Organization), Dr. Kritphak Boonfueng, Deputy Director of the Innovation System Office at the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), and Air Vice Marshal Ronachit Wichit, Director of the Space Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Air Force, to join in discussing ideas to collaboratively create the dream city. This event is considered a gathering of various organizations with a shared goal for sustainable urban development.

Get ready for the WOW 2022 - A Marvelous Livable City event, taking place from November 23-27, 2022, at Benjakitti Park, Bangkok, and providing participants with the opportunity to experience and follow details at Facebook: www.facebook.com/ASAWOW