Silom and Sathon roads close from 4 PM on October 20 for Wat Khaek Navratri festival

Bangkok's Bang Rak district has announced significant road closures across the Silom and Sathon areas starting at 4:00 PM on October 20. The overnight closures will accommodate the annual Navratri festival parade at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, commonly known as Wat Khaek.

According to Thai-language reports from Krungthep Turakij and Thansettakij, the traffic restrictions will remain in place for 12 hours, lifting at 4:00 AM the following morning.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has also confirmed that eight public bus routes passing through the affected zones will be diverted for the duration of the event.

Affected routes

Authorities are advising all motorists to avoid the immediate vicinity of the temple. The closures impact the central business district in the following ways:

• Four major routes around Silom and Sathon roads will be entirely closed to vehicle traffic.
• Eight BMTA bus routes will be actively diverted away from the Silom area.
• The closures begin precisely at 4:00 PM, coinciding with the start of the evening rush hour.

What this means for you

If you live, work, or plan to commute through the Silom or Sathon areas on the evening of October 20, you must adjust your travel plans. Surface-level traffic will be at a standstill, and ride-hailing vehicles will likely be unable to access locations within the closure zone.

Expats and visitors should rely entirely on the BTS Skytrain or the MRT Blue Line to navigate the area. If you are attending the festival, expect massive crowds and plan your exit strategy using the rail networks before their standard midnight closure.