Laos to expand Thatluang Square

Vientiane plans That Luang square expansion

Urban planners have completed a new development plan for the open space surrounding That Luang stupa and, if approved, the resulting esplanade would be the largest recreational area in Vientiane.

The plan, which is now under consideration by the government, will enlarge the existing esplanade from 29 to 36 hectares. On the left of the stupa, the park will extend as far as Nongbone Road, on the right it will take up new land and to the rear it will extend 60 metres beyond the fence bordering the stupa...more

According to the Urban Planning Institute of the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction, around 247 families living in residential areas nearby would have to find new homes if the development plan goes ahead.

Head of the Urban Engineering Department, Mr Bounlan Kankhamvongsa, said that the reason for the enlargement of the That Luang square was because the stupa was a sacred site. It is considered to be a historical conservation zone and if no action is taken to protect it, it could become overwhelmed and damaged by encroaching development.

Urban planner Mr Chanthavisith Chanthoumphone said that an initial survey for the development of the esplanade took place in 2003. The government is giving careful consideration to the plan because of its widespread impact on local people who have been living in the area for generations.



“The plan was submitted a long time ago, but I have not yet heard of any decisions relating to it,” said Mr Chanthavisith, who took park in the survey.

He said that the Vientiane authorities were undecided as to whether or not to go ahead with the project because of the impact it would have on local residents. The decision rested with the government or the National Assembly.

He said that unchecked development around the stupa would cause damage to the foundations, and excessive traffic would also undermine the structure. Exhaust pollution would also spoil this greatly revered national symbol.



Mr Chanthavisith added that it was also important to make the area surrounding the stupa as attractive as possible, as there were several temples that many visitors came to admire.

The That Luang esplanade is home to the temples of That Luang Neua and That Luang Tai. The National Assembly building and the Unknown Soldier Monument are also very significant and much visited sites. The central attraction, the That Luang stupa itself, was built in 1560.

The residents of the three villages near the stupa are keen for the authorities to make a decision and have been waiting for some time for news on future developments.

They said that until a decision was made, they could not make renovations to their homes or build new ones for fear that if they did they would lose them if development plans for the esplanade went ahead.



Historical conservationists want the government to accelerate their assessment of the impact the project would have on local residents. People need to have information in order to prepare themselves for the future.

People living near the stupa said they would understand the need to move away from the area if the government decided it was necessary to protect the stupa and the beauty of the capital. They also said that the government should award them a reasonable form of compensation.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
source: vientianetimes