(CTN News) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Tourism and Sports Ministry are tightening security measures in Yaowarat, better known as Chinatown, in response to an increase in tourists prompted by Lisa’s Rockstar music video. The video, featuring Thai K-pop artist Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, was shot in Bangkok’s Chinatown and enthralled worldwide viewers.
The music video, which features scenes recorded at the Chaloem Buri crossroads, was published on YouTube at 7 a.m. local time yesterday and has already received 38 million views. It focuses on numerous aspects of Thai culture, including the distinctive wai gesture.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited Yaowarat Friday night to examine the area’s preparation for an influx of tourists. He pointed out that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials frequently visit Chinatown, particularly since the number of tourists is increasing.
Bangkok boosts Yaowarat’s safety after Lisa’s video
Chadchart claimed that traffic barriers on Yaowarat Road successfully separate people from automobiles and indicated plans to expand these barriers to accommodate additional tourists. He also emphasized the necessity of garbage management in the region, mentioning that BMA street cleaners are sent daily to keep it clean. The Samphanthawong District Office has been asked to enhance the number of rubbish containers.
He also asked traffic cops to deal with tuk-tuk drivers who park and wait for customers, creating gridlock, and taxi drivers who overcharge. Chadchart detailed various BMA measures for Yaowarat, including traffic closures to create a walking street, more pedestrian crossing lights, and collaboration with local businesses to supply public restrooms.
“I’d like to thank Lisa for choosing Yaowarat as a filming location for the video, making the location popular worldwide.” Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and other high-level ministry officials recently examined shops, restaurants, check-in locations, and hotels in the Yaowarat region.
He advocated for partnerships between the commercial and governmental sectors to install additional CCTV cameras, bathrooms, and signage and upgrade walkways for greater accessibility.
Many businesses in Chinatown hope the surge of visitors will stimulate the local economy. A merchant from the Thai Long Jie store expressed hope that the viral trend triggered by Lisa’s music video would bring more visitors to Yaowarat.
According to the Bangkok Post, several small merchants share a similar mindset and are looking forward to the economic advantages that increasing tourists may bring. Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesman, said on his X page that Lisa’s popularity would help boost Thailand’s tourism.
“She makes all Thai people proud.”
