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 Chuvit Garden—Bangkok, Thailand. Posted by:  Ianatlarge
N 13° 44.298 E 100° 33.432
47P E 668370 N 1519327
A small, privately owned park, in central Bangkok.
Waymark Code: WMCJZM
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 09/14/2011
Views: 5
This park is located along the busy, main, Sukhumvit Road of Bangkok. The park grounds contain several fountains, a public clock, seats, and a restful atmosphere, certainly different from the bustle of Bangkok outside the gates. Not a place for noisy children to play, rather for adults to enter, eat their lunch, and relax, before returning to the fray.
The various plaques in the park describe some of the history of its creation. It came into being in 2005, a donation from a prominent Thai businessman, a Mr Chuvit (Chuwit) Kamolvisit. The stated purpose of the park is to rebalance people's lives, and to bring people back into contact with nature. Indicative of this spiritual enterprise, the park has several Buddhist texts on display, and a reference to Jesus. The park grounds are still owned, and are maintained, by Mr Chuvit.
There is a somewhat more complex version of this story. Mr Chuvit is a former 'massage parlour' king, who made his fortune from these businesses. In 2003 this area of land, owned by himself, was illegally bulldozed, forcing the small tenants using the land to flee. The property was then to be redeveloped. This proved to be a problem, difficulties arose and Mr Chuvit was imprisoned for a month. In retaliation for this arrest he released details of the bribes he had paid to the Bangkok police over the years—a considerable sum, though the amount is debated. This course of action set Mr Chuvit down the path of social reform. He twice unsuccessfully stood for the position of mayor of Bangkok, and he is now in the Thai national parliament, head of his own four member strong political party ("Love Thailand"). He campaigns for an end to corruption in Thailand, calling himself a 'watchdog' (good luck).
From my google map measurement the park covers approximately 4 acres, which is the equivalent of 10 rai (a Thai measurement of land).
Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 10 rai.
Is there a trail system?: No
What points of interest are there?:
Fountain, Buddhist statements of ethics, obelisk.
What activities are available?:
walking, meditation.
Hours of accessibility?: Mon-Sun: 06.00-19.00.
List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.):
None.
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: No
If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Not listed
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed
Please supply the website of the land if available: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
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