For centuries, Bangkok’s commuters relied on the city’s khlongs, the network of natural and artificial canals that wound through the heart of the metropolis. But even then, traffic was inescapable, intensified by the vibrant chaos of floating markets. CharoenKrung, the first modern, paved road, was completed in 1864 primarily to cater to foreign residents, starting an era of road-centric city expansion. In the following century, a maze of thanon (main roads), soi (side streets) and alleyways emerged, accompanied by unique modes of transportation tailored to their limited capacity. These include tuk-tuks, a variety of songthaew shared vehicles and motorcycle taxis, the latter ideal for navigating the ever-worsening car gridlocks.
Today, the city’s residents are ferried through its commercial centre on massive, elevated tracks reminiscent of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The Bangkok…
