Eight Candidates, Eight Visions For Bangkok: Governor Race

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Bangkok Governor Race

Eight candidates, eight visions for city

Khanittha Thepphajorn

The Nation

Pollution, help for disabled, solutions for Rattanakosin Island on agenda

BANGKOK: -- Silpakorn University and Nation Channel allowed eight major candidates for Bangkok governor to air their visions on how to develop Rattanakosin Island, clean up polluted waterways and tackle social problems in the area, and improve the quality of life for the disabled.

Pheu Thai candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen said he would launch two routes of trams for tourists to visit historical sites around Rattanakosin Island to reduce traffic congestion. He would also build sidewalks on the banks of the Chao Phraya from Rama VIII Bridge to Sathorn Bridge.

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He said he would set up an office in charge of caring for the disabled and the underprivileged, to provide education and career training and care for them until their last days.

"When MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra was the governor, he provided facilities for the disabled, such as building elevators at BTS stations, but the facilities are still inadequate, so I'll improve them," Pongsapat said.

He said he would cooperate with the national government to buy special new buses for the disabled.

PORTUGUESE 'KUDICHIN' CULTURE

Democrat candidate MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said he had launched a project to revive the Kudichin (Portugal-Thai descendants) community. If he is re-elected, he will launch a major Kudichin community project to try to bring back the old cultures.

In addition, he said he would ensure Bangkok residents had access to basic facilities to make their lives happier.

RE-CREATING 'VENICE OF THE EAST'

Kosit Suvinijjit, an independent candidate, said he would create cultural spots around Rattanakosin Island and turn it into a night tourist centre.

He would promote a night plaza on Khaosan Road and create a luukthung (Thai country music) town as a strategy involving each of the 50 districts. He would develop the canals to revive the old image of Bangkok as Venice of the East.

Kosit said he would restructure the city administration to set up a special centre to educate parents with disabled children, ensuring that 1 per cent of Bangkok districts' workforce would be people with disabilities.

He would build a small wastewater-treatment facility for each community.

WORK WITH THE ISLAND COMMITTEE

Independent candidate Sereepisuth Temeeyaves said the Bangkok governor could not initiate his or her own development plans for Rattanakosin Island but would have to implement proposals from the Rattanakosin Island Committee. He said he would implement a committee development plan immediately if elected.

Sereepisuth said he would enforce the laws seriously to tackle the problem of polluted water. Encroachers on public waterways would be persuaded to leave.

UNDERGROUND WELLS

Samit Samitthinan, an independent candidate, said he would build underground wells to trap flood waters and clean sewers to use them to drain flooding. He would create a system of no red lights at intersections to solve traffic congestion.

DISABLED SUPPORT, CLEAN WATER

Professor Dr Jongjit Hiranlarp, another independent candidate, said society must share with the disabled, and she would build wheelchair ways in schools and universities. She would use a wastewater-treatment system and fine those who released polluted water into canals.

She said she would restrict the growth of Bangkok and build more parks or green areas.

MOTORISED WHEELCHAIRS

Toranee Ritthamrong, another independent candidate, said that if elected she would invite all failed candidates to be members of her working committee because all have good ideas.

She said she would provide motorised wheelchairs for the disabled so they could travel on their own.

RESTORING THE GIANT SWING

Waranchai Chokchana, another independent candidate, said he would conserve the traditional culture of the areas around Rattanakosin Island and would not allow historical buildings to be demolished.

He would organise the ancient Brahmin ceremony at the Giant Swing once a year.

-- The Nation 2013-02-02

[Thai at Heart]

Oooh, this made me smile to start the day.

But the clincher is

He would create a system of no red lights at intersections to solve traffic congestion.

Oooooh, my ribs

[dcutman]

Sounds like Bangkok's future is going to remain status quo. It is good to see all the candidates focused on the most important issues.

[mca]

Samit Samitthinan,...... He would create a system of no red lights at intersections to solve traffic congestion.

Khun Samit, owner of " Super Samit's Car Body Repair Shop" the largest such operation in Bangkok, denied any ulterior motive in his suggestion.

[indyuk]

It is good to see so many socially beneficial proposals in candidate's election manifestos. Whoever becomes the governor of Bangkok I hope that the prominent objectives will be clean water piped into every home,support for the elderly, care for the poor, new services for the handicapped, and the continuing improvement of public transport systems.

For the record I am very impressed with the current project to provide a public toilet at every bus stop in central Bangkok. Would like it applied to bus stops in ALL Thai city's immediately.

Edited February 2, 2013 by indyuk

[Udox]

Pie in the sky ideas above

How about a plastic rubbish bin on every street corner, to stop people dumping crap all over the sois, which then in turn would cut down on the horrific rat population who delight in rummaging through plastic bags thrown around the streets. This would cost hardly anything to provide - heck you could even get Tesco / Topps etc to sponsor a bin - in return for putting an advertising sticker on the bin.

How about providing proper marked street stalls for street vendors - so that Somchai's somtam stall doesn't block the busy path (street vending may be illegal - but its here and useful so why not regulate it)

How about enforcing the law and prohibiting motorcycles riding on the pathways? That would make it safer for those who walk on them and cut down on crime by those who snatch handbags and suchlike

How about enforcing the red light means stop for drivers. On Sukhumvit Road in Bkk the traffic flow never stops and traffic are allowed to drive straight onwards through red lights under the eye of the traffic police box next to the junction. Thus pedestrians cannot cross the road without playing chicken.

Demand that every police officer has his police number displayed on his uniform - to make it easy to identify him (for good and for bad reasons) He who has nothing to hide, has nothing to worry about.

In five minutes there's 5 schemes for little or no cost that would improve peoples daily lives. Its not all about fancy ideas with big budgets. Its simply working with what you have to make the best of it and having the will to do so instead of a lot of hot air spouting out of your mouth.

[Bagwan]

What great news for the physically handicapped. How about swimming lessons for all so that they survive Bangkok's inundations? What use is a public park if it is under water?