Siamsquare Walking Street for ALL

“The Siamsquare Walking Street for ALL project, developed by PMCU under the auspices of Chulalongkorn University, reflects a strategic vision to transform university-managed spaces into more than only commercial zones. Its aim is to create inclusive opportunities where all Thai people, regardless of background, can showcase their talents and enhance their livelihoods.

Siamsquare has thus been reimagined as a central hub of opportunity, welcoming farmers, youth, disabilities, the elderly, LGBTQ+ communities, and artists to participate. More than 10,000 people have directly benefited from its activities, supported by collaborations across government, private, and civil society sectors.

This initiative not only stimulates the local economy but also nurtures community pride, strengthens social cohesion, and lays the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable Thai society.”

Describe the background to and context of your initiative

One of PMCU’s new strategic directions is to ensure that every area under the management of Chulalongkorn University and its Property Management Office serves more than purely commercial purposes. Beyond economic utility, these spaces must foster inclusiveness, create opportunities, and enhance the potential of Thai people. They are envisioned as learning arenas and spaces for intergenerational experiences.

In this spirit, PMCU initiated the Siamsquare Walking Street for ALL project, transforming Siamsquare—Bangkok’s most prominent and vibrant urban center—into an inclusive public venue. This project provides opportunities for diverse groups, particularly marginalized communities, to generate income, showcase their talents, and affirm their identities. It thus advances diversity and equality within Thai society while cultivating shared learning experiences between students and the wider public.

Explain the nature of the work and the challenges involved

The project has been implemented through recurring events at Siamsquare, each designed to open access to different communities. For example, activities have included The Gathering of Superpowered-people (people with disabilities), Chula Playground Land (children), May Day Siamsquare (laborers), and Chula Farm Fair (farmers).

The project consistently rotates opportunities for participation across various groups, including but not limit to, farmers, youth, the elderly, LGBTQ+ communities, as well as artists and cultural practitioners. Its core objectives are:

Expanding opportunities for income generation through sales and activities.
Encouraging expressions of identity and talent across multiple domains.
Creating platforms for mutual learning and knowledge exchange between diverse communities.
Enabling collaborative engagement between university students and the public, such as co-developing products for livelihood or launching initiatives to broaden long-term access to opportunities.

A key challenge faced by PMCU is to continuously expand inclusivity, ensuring that greater numbers of participants from all sectors of society can equally access opportunities to showcase their potential.

Provide evidence of demonstrable progress or success

Siamsquare Walking Street for ALL has been highly successful, drawing more than 10,000 direct participants. The initiative has forged collaborative partnerships across the private sector, government agencies, and civil society. It represents the first step toward transforming Siamsquare into a hub that embraces diversity, enabling Thai people from all backgrounds to demonstrate their potential and secure equitable opportunities for income generation.

Show how the project has made a difference to the target community

The project has delivered meaningful impact by providing tangible opportunities for diverse groups to earn income and express themselves within society. Its social and economic outcomes have fostered greater acceptance of diversity, encouraged pride in individual potential across domains such as art and sports, and created pathways for improved livelihoods. Ultimately, the project underscores the importance of building a truly inclusive and sustainable society in Thailand.