Bangkok--22 Aug--Hill & Knowlton Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) today signed a Memorandum of Intention (MOI) with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for a pilot project to solve traffic and pollution problems around the Ratchaprasong district area. The MOI marks one of a series of projects where the RSTA is working with the BMA to facilitate convenience and security for the district and to serve as models for other areas in Bangkok. Chai Srivikorn, President of the RSTA said, “This is another project that demonstrates our support and encouragement of government policy especially in our continued cooperation with the BMA in many beneficial projects such as The Security System Development Project, which builds on the ‘Shopping Street Phase One’ initiative launched in 1998. RSTA has worked to continuously develop all aspects of the district towards achieving our goal of it becoming a major regional lifestyle and shopping destination in its own right.” In addition, Somsak Klanpoj, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said, “On behalf of the BMA, I would like to thank RSTA and its members for their excellent support on our policy. This cooperation is a significant milestone for government and private sector to solve the traffic and pollution problems around Ratchaprasong district, achieving the objective instantly.” After discussions with the BMA and related organizations it was unanimously agreed that traffic and pollution are significant problems which should be tackled expeditiously. The RSTA is therefore exploring the most effective way to improve the traffic conditions in Ratchaprasong district. The first three measures to be launched within one to three months include Pooled Parking Facilities, Off-Street Taxi Stands, and Bicycle Facilities. The medium term plans for implementation within one to three years are Linkage with signage at Pedestrian Level, and Concourse Level, and Internal Circulation Improvements for cars and bicycles. Long-term measures include a Shuttle Bus service as well as to possible ‘Alternative Circulation Route. Implementation of such initiatives depends on the authorisation of the BMA. “We hope that this latest traffic improvement initiative will be effective and act as an inspiration for other areas in Bangkok,” the RSTA president concluded. For more information please contact: Orawan Chuenwiratsakul/ Shutchada Chantarangsu Hill & Knowlton Thailand Tel. 0-2627-3501 Ext. 212, 109 Mobile phone 0-8-1303-1680, 0-8-9897-2497 Email: [email protected] , [email protected]