A novel use of parking lots in Thailand is on the cards with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) planning to develop commercial areas around parking lots at subway stations for retail outlets.
MRTA board member Jadul Apichatabutra, who is also deputy permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, said the vacant space would be rented out for use by shops or for putting up advertising boards.
These would not only boost income, but also help in improving facilities in the area such as better lighting around the parking areas, making them safer, he said.
The MRTA will also make a study of expropriated land along the subway lines to see how it can be commercially developed. It is Thai government policy that land must be used for MRTA-related activities.
The subway agency has already leased out space at its parking area near Lat Phrao intersection to Thai Airways International, in the capital, Bangkok, which will open a ticket booth and an outlet for its bakery chain Puff and Pie. The airline plans more sales offices and food outlets at other subway stations, Jadul said.
