Beneath the bustling Rama VIII Bridge, a group of young football players are sweating it out on the bridge’s makeshift soccer field.
Dribbling, spinning, hooking, and shooting in one fluid motion, 16-year-old Son, sporting a yellow jersey, showcased his skills in the scrimmage. After scoring three times, his teammates around him cheered him on enthusiastically.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and night fell, the Rama VIII Bridge came to life, bustling with activity. Lights illuminated the soccer field in the sports park beneath the bridge, and an increasing number of citizens gathered to play football. Son, who was taking a break on the sidelines, warmly greeted newcomers with familiarity. The atmosphere was infused with a serene and refreshing ambiance.
The construction and existence of bridges hold distinct memories for each city. In Bangkok, the Rama VIII Bridge, with its splendid cable-stayed design, undeniably stands as one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Whether in the daytime or at night, tourists and locals alike gravitate to the Rama VIII Bridge to capture its exquisite allure. It serves not only as a crucial transportation artery in Bangkok but also as a beloved recreational destination, gracing the city with its serene and refreshing ambiance.
The space beneath the bridge transforms into a soccer field, igniting the passion for sports among the youth
The Rama VIII Bridge, named after King Rama VIII of Thailand, is one of the iconic landmarks in the capital city of Bangkok. It spans the Chao Phraya River and is located in the central area of Bangkok. On the reverse side of the 20 Baht banknote issued in 2003, there is a magnificent cable-stayed bridge – the Rama VIII Bridge, which was constructed by Chinese builder China State Construction. It was the first bridge-building project of a cable-stayed kind the company built overseas.
Almost every evening, Son and his friends gather at the sports park soccer field beneath the Rama VIII Bridge to play matches.
Son is intimately acquainted with the Rama VIII Bridge. He explains, “The bridge boasts dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lanes, drawing in numerous locals and tourists who relish strolls, jogs, and bike rides while gazing upon the expansive and splendid
Chao Phraya River. While standing on the pedestrian path, you can observe leisurely boats gliding along the river, flanked by verdant trees on both banks. The gentle, cool breeze from the river caresses your face, and even during the scorching noon, with temperatures soaring past 30 degrees Celsius, it never feels uncomfortably hot.”
“Thanks to this bridge, we have this soccer field. It’s what unites us for a game of football,” Son reflects with profound sentiment about the Rama VIII Bridge towering above him. To him, this bridge has offered more than just transportation convenience; it has provided him and his friends with a gathering place to enjoy themselves and run freely, contributing to a sense of unity and camaraderie.
As more like-minded friends joined them, Son and his buddies formed their own soccer team, naming it after the Rama VIII Bridge. Son is delighted with everything the bridge has brought into his life.
More “Bridges of Unity”
With the introduction of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, various forms of “Bridges of Unity” between China and Thailand have emerged in Thailand. In addition to the Rama VIII Bridge, Chinese companies have also undertaken the expansion project of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. This is one of the critical public infrastructure projects under Thailand’s “Eastern Economic Corridor” plan and the “Thailand 4.0” economic strategy. It effectively addresses the issue of overcrowding in the old terminal, contributing to the development of Thailand’s tourism industry.
Furthermore, several influential engineering projects in Thailand have been executed by Chinese companies. These include the Chiang Mai Meiguang Dam, the Southern Outer Ring Road Elevated Expressway in Bangkok, the new Bangkok City Hall, the Bangkok China Cultural Center, the Thailand M6 Highway, and more.
These infrastructure projects built by China have not only provided employment opportunities for the residents but have also become important tourist attractions in their own right.
