Strengthening the community spirit

Designed as a learning centre to preserve traditions and cultures and promote sustainable tourism in the areas, the centre is taking form on 250 square metres of the Memorial Bridge adjacent to the riverfront court of the City Law Enforcement Department, which is where Kadeejeen and Klongsarn meet. It is considered a strategic area in serving the communities, as it offers a range of transportation modes including roads and waterways, with a railway coming in the near future. 

“As part of its CSR activities that contribute to the development of sustainable communities, IconSiam has been active in the Kadeejeen-Klongsarn Centre project since 2015,” said its managing director Supoj Chaiwatsirikul.  “We expect that the centre will serve as a pilot project and a model for the development of other communities. The centre will not only provide a space for learning, knowledge and exchange of information, but also preserve traditions and culture, as well as promote eco-tourism, and increase the incomes of community members.”

Kadeejeen-Klongsarn Center, which will be completed by next year, will be operated under the PPCP model led by UddC in collaboration with a development committee made up of governmental and public organisations.

 “Kadeejeen and Klongsarn are among the oldest communities in Bangkok-Thonburi and have a strong background. Over the past 10 years, people in the communities and outside the area have created many activities to rehabilitate this neighbourhood and make it lively once more. But temporary activities have limitations and cannot achieve tangible outcomes in terms of development despite the efforts of people in the communities and other organisations. The centre will be a social centre for sustainable development and gateway for visitors to reach the areas,” says Asst Prof Niramon Kulsrisombat, director of UddC.