Vital to preserve city's 'Green Lung'Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan -- dubbed Bangkok's "Green Lung" for its lush natural landscape that contrasts with the capital's high-rises and bustling ports which ring its banks -- will be redeveloped into a special zone for sustainable tourism. The proposed designation will be put to the cabinet later in the year, says Gp Capt Athikun Kongmee, Dasta's director. Attempts to alter the area's town plan and building restrictions -- which were set when back in 1992 when Bang Kachao was named a conservation area by then-PM Anand Panyarachun -- have been mounted before. First, the area where private development is permitted was increased to 10%, then the administration decided to allow private homes to be built in the highly-protected conservation zone. Any form of sustainable, community-based tourism must benefit the community, so care must be taken to ensure that principle is adhered to.

Source: Bangkok Post March 06, 2021 23:37 UTC