Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is planning to seek World Heritage status for the capital's riverside area

"This is the cradle of Rattanakosin. It makes Bangkok what it is today," BMA city planning department head Anchalee Pattamasawan said yesterday.

She said the area alongside the Chao Phya River has great historical and cultural value. "The portion from Wasukri Pier to the Memorial Bridge is particularly important," she added.

Her department is preparing documents for the inscription of a riverside area as a World Heritage site.

"BMA will renovate valuable sites in the area and will draw up an area-management plan," Anchalee said.

The department will ask authorities to help improve water quality in the Chao Phya.

"After we have a detailed plan, we will contact the Fine Arts Department," she said.

Anchalee said BMA would listen to the opinions of people at every stage.