Bangkok's Lan Khon Mueang parking stays public — ฿20/hour rates unchanged
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post
Bangkok's underground parking at Lan Khon Mueang remains public after the city government shot down rumors about selling it to private companies. That means the current ฿20/hour (60¢) parking rates stay the same instead of potentially jumping to private lot prices.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) firmly denied claims the underground parking facility has been sold or transferred to private ownership. They issued the statement to "quell controversy" over the site's ownership status.
Why this matters for your wallet
Lan Khon Mueang sits right in central Bangkok near the Grand Palace and government district. Private parking lots in that area typically charge ฿200-300 ($5.70-8.60) for a few hours. The public underground facility stays at ฿20/hour — that's a ฿180+ savings if you're parking for 3-4 hours while exploring the area.
The rumors probably started because private companies have been eyeing prime public parking spots across Bangkok. When facilities get sold off, rates usually triple or quadruple overnight.
What actually happened
The BMA didn't provide details about what sparked the sale rumors or who was spreading them. They just stated clearly that no sale or transfer has occurred and the facility remains under city control.
For context, Lan Khon Mueang is the large public square in front of Bangkok City Hall, bordered by government buildings and close to major tourist sites. The underground parking serves both government workers and tourists visiting the Old Town area.
The bigger picture
Bangkok has been under pressure to generate revenue from public assets, and parking facilities are obvious targets. Other cities have sold public parking to private operators who then jack up rates. The BMA's quick denial suggests they're aware people are watching for these moves.
For now, budget travelers can still park cheaply in central Bangkok. Just remember the facility fills up quickly during peak tourist hours and government business days.
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Source: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration denies selling car park
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