Bang Kachao

It lies south of the Thai capital Bangkok in Phra Pradaeng District of Samut Prakan Province.

The island, covering 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi) or 12,000 rai (1,920 hectares) has been traditionally agricultural with only a relatively small population.

[2] In 2006, Bang Kachao was named "best urban oasis" by Time in its "Best of Asia" series[3] and is frequented by nature lovers and cyclists.

A three-year project by the Royal Forestry Department, Kasetsart University, and oil company PTT aims to renovate public green spaces and ensure that 60 percent of the island remains free of development.

[2] "The difficulty in...Thailand, where land is in short supply and corruption rampant, is [that] developers and powerful businesses...circumvent, or simply ignore, environmental protections.