For decades, Khao San Road was the place for the rite of passege for thousands of backpackers who started their epic journey around Southeast Asia – or at least Thailand – from the cult street featured in The Beach'.
The street which is about 400 metre long, is located in the heart of the capital's old area close to major tourist attrations. It is famous for inexpensive backpackers accommodation and street food joints. Yet the authorities announced they will conduct major renovations in Khao San Road between October and February to give it a more gentrified look.
Police are sure this renovation will help combat pickpocketing and petty theft in the vicinity which is now florishing at an unbelievable rate. Besides young Western tourists and travellers there is also a strong Chinese presence on the iconic street and 'a number of worrying criminal incidents involving Chinese citizens' was recorded. Khao San's main draw – cheap accommodation and cheap street food – allows criminals to use the street as their den and hunt victims in other ares of the city.
Authorities are sure all travellers will benefit from gentrifying Khao San and turning it into a more expensive and respectable area.
Goodbye, Old Good Khao San Road!
News in Asia
Say 'goodbye' to old good Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand as plans are afoot to give the street a major facelift to attract a more well-being crowd of 'quality tourists'. Police also promises to rid it of its image as a hub for petty crime by foreign nationals.