Photo Essay: Taking down Bangkok’s Stonehenge

The pillars and beams of the abandoned Hopewell project, dubbed “Bangkok’s Stonehenge,” are being demolished to clear the way for construction of the Bang Sue – Rang Sit “Red Line” Skytrain extension.

More than 500 giant concrete posts that have sat unused for around 15 years will be dismantled at an estimated cost of THB200 million. The Hopewell project, officially titled the Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System, was supposed to help connect passengers from central Bangkok to Don Muang International Airport. 

It was started in 1990, suspended in 1992, ceased in 1997 and eventually cancelled in 1998, amidst legal proceedings and rumors of rampant corruption. 

This week, Coconuts photographer Kajornsak Intarapong went to examine the demolition in progress on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The allegedly corruption-ridden transport project was only 10% complete when the cancellation announcement was made. The majority of these pillars are not solid enough to be reused in the Red Line rail.

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Photo: Kajornsak Intarapong



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