As Thailand continues to navigate rapid urban growth and the mounting challenges of climate resilience, the role of smart planning and sustainable design becomes more crucial than ever. At the forefront of this transformation is Theeraphong Krutdilakanan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT). In this exclusive interview, Krutdilakanan shares the agency’s priorities, its evolving approach to urban planning, and how collaboration with the private sector and international partners is shaping livable, future-ready cities across the country.
Bridges: Thailand’s Smart City Development – How is DPT driving Thailand’s Smart Cities initiative, and what key urban planning strategies are being implemented to enhance sustainability and livability?
Theeraphong: “We are advancing Thailand’s smart city initiatives by focusing on Smart Living and Smart Environment,” said Theeraphong Krutdilakanan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works and Town Planning (DPT). “Our urban planning framework spans five levels, from national and regional policies to specific land-use plans, ensuring sustainable and livable urban growth in line with Thailand’s Smart City Concept.”
Japan-Thailand Collaboration – Are there any ongoing collaborations with Japanese companies or the integration of Japanese technologies in Thailand’s urban development projects?
“Japan has been a valued partner in Thailand’s urban development journey. We collaborated on two key projects: the Building Control Program, which established regulations such as the Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and a six-year Land Readjustment initiative with JICA, spanning four regions and 53 pilot projects. These partnerships have played a vital role in advancing our city planning efforts.”
Achievements & Progress – What has DPT achieved in recent years, and how would you assess the progress of Thailand’s urban development and planning?
“As we advance Thailand’s urban development, we are particularly interested in Japan’s expertise in urban renewal, transit-oriented development (TOD), and new town revitalization,” said Theeraphong Krutdilakanan. “Japan’s Urban Development Act serves as a valuable model, and we are eager to learn from its approach to sustainable city planning.”
Our urban planning framework spans five levels, from national and regional policies to specific land-use plans, ensuring sustainable and livable urban growth in line with Thailand’s Smart City Concept.
Theeraphong Krutdilakanan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT)
Wellness-Driven Urban Design – How are wellness-driven design principles influencing the development of Thai cities, and what potential opportunities do you see for integrating these principles into future urban planning projects?
“Sustainability and wellness are central to our future city planning. At the ‘Urban Solution for Climate Crisis’ forum on November 8, we introduced the ‘Wellness City’ concept. At the specific plan level, we are now working towards integrating medical hubs and wellness-oriented urban designs to enhance the quality of life in Thai cities.
Investment & Collaboration Opportunities – What opportunities exist for Japanese companies to invest or collaborate with DPT in shaping Thailand’s urban future?
“We welcome opportunities for investment and partnerships in urban planning,” stated Theeraphong Krutdilakanan. “JICA has been a longstanding partner, engaging with us in urban development discussions, and we see great potential for further cooperation with Japanese firms looking to contribute to Thailand’s urban future.”
