Management of ‘Public Spaces’: Case-Study of Roads in Bangkok in the Reign of King Rama V

Abstract

The reign of King Rama V was an era of significant transformation of Bangkok in terms of physical space and the city scape. This was due to rapid economic development resulting from the encroachment of Western influence. One among the most crucial developments was the construction of many new roads. These roads greatly contributed to the physical transformation of the capital. Construction of roads brought about large patches of public space in Bangkok. City dwellers of all sorts use road spaces for a wide variety of purposes. Hence, the management of road space, as well as surrounding areas, including trees, footpaths, and even ‘the dark side’ in back alleys behind roadside shop-houses, becomes a highly crucial aspect of maintaining order and establishing a ‘civilized’ environment for the fledgling urban community of this newly modernized capital city. The Siamese state of that era established the surveillance unit to maintain peace and order of the newly constructed roads. Under the watchful eye of the surveillance unit, city dwellers’ daily activities and habits, such as bathing, clothing, and even various entertainment and rituals, start to come under the management and control of the state. The surveillance unit was also required to watch out for certain elements that the state deemed unworthy of the modern roads, including the drunk, the insane, and the homeless. The various duties of the surveillance unit reflect the state’s attempt to exercise a more dominant influence over the everyday lives of city dwellers though the management of newly established roads and public spaces of the capital.