The first day of our practical fieldwork started as urban excursion through Bangkok. We visited several interesting places, as follows.

• Asia Hotel Bangkok, 09.07am 

Meeting Point 9am at the Asia Hotel Lobby. Group complete at 9.30, grabbing coffee at Roots Cookies and brief introduction into the city development of Bangkok. Using public transport (Metro/BTS) at 10.30 to the next stop. 

• Hua Lamphong Station, 11.18am 

First railway station in Bangkok - built in 1910, copied from Wiesbaden station. Today the national trains leave at Bang Sue station (Krung Thep Aphiwat), so Hua Lamphong is used for exhibitions. It may gradually shift, but until now some regional trains are still leaving here. 

• Hua Lamphong Area, 11.44am 

Canal representing the „third phase“ of Bangkok’s city development. Solar boats can be used as public transportation - much calmer - which we will not be doing today. 

• Krung Kasem Road, 11.51am 

Typical Building from the 1960s (first photo). Outcome of influx of millions for development aid, helping Thailand to develop. The USA have had a strong hold in Thailand during the Vietnam war. Also, buildings from the 1920s which have mostly been re-densified (not the one on the third photograph). Gentrification through beautification etc. (second photo). 

• 22nd July Roundabout, 12.09pm 

Starlike structure inspired by the street design from Paris (Haussmann scheme). (Have a look at the map - circle with radials) 

• Chinatown, 12.18pm 

Entrance to Chinatown and further examples of the starlike urban structure on a smaller scale (early 1920s). 

• Sawatdi Pier, 12.36pm 

Like many other delta cities, Bangkok is sinking – which is why you can find small dikes near the river (photo 1). Parts of the city are already up to three meters below sea level. There are plenty of so called Tha’s, landing points for boats. 

• Siang Kong Shrine, 12.51pm 

Shrines are very common in Bangkok. They represent places to honor the gods and/or ancestors. We were welcomed to go inside and visit. Short walk back to the station. Taking the blue line (MRT) at Hua Lamphong, changing at Si Lom and switching to Sala Daeng BTS Station going back to Siam Square. 

• Siam Shopping Area, 1.47pm 

MBK Shopping Center 

• Siamscape, 2.41pm 

On the rooftop, we have an overview over the areas where numerous skyscrapers are built (north-east) and where the traditional urban structure of Bangkok persists (western part). 

• Krung Thep Apiwat Railway Station, 6pm 

Successfully opened some years ago. The area has formerly been considered an urban fringe. Population of Bangkok metropolian region about twelve million people. 

Night Train to Nong Khai departs at 8.25pm.

Sonja Gotthardt