[sustran] Bangkok update

John Ernst johnernst at bigfoot.com
Mon Jul 31 04:26:30 JST 2000


Things must be out of balance when a newspaper's Motoring section editor 
calls for less highways and more public transport.  Such a commentary 
appeared a week ago in Bangkok (see Leu, R.  2000.  Dragging the chain on 
public transport.  Commentary.  Bangkok Post, 21 July, Motoring p.1. 
<www.bangkokpost.com>).  The editorial included the following statements:

  "It seems something is wrong.  Why is the annual expenditure on highways 
far more important than the outlay on mass transit systems?"

"'Motoring' believes in freedom of choice between private and public 
transport. But there must be an efficient, quick means of transport for the 
broad mass of people who can't afford cars."

"What Thailand, particularly Bangkok and its suburbs, dearly needs now is a 
modern rail system to complement the skytrain and the subway, which is 
under construction."

"But, governments love pumping funds into highway constructions as 
kickbacks come quicker and more frequently."

This editorial appeared 2-days before the election of Bangkok's new 
governor, Samak Sundaravej.  Samak's victory was widely predicted.  He is a 
conservative, veteran Thai politician, who is expected to favor big 
infrastructure projects.

Incidentally, on his first day to work, Samak got stuck in traffic and so 
walked the final blocks to his new office.  (see Antaseeda, P.  2000.  Boss 
gives waiting lines the slip.  Bangkok Post, 25 July:3)

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John Ernst     Urban Transport Ecology

SUSTRAN - Sustainable Transport Action Network for Asia and the 
Pacific  www.malaysiakini.com/sustran
ITDP - The Institute for Transport and Development Policy    www.itdp.org

8 Sukhumvit Soi 49/9    Bangkok 10110    Thailand
Tel +66(1) 813-1819    Fax +1(801) 365-5914
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