I love how Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang cares for the younger generation of the City of Angels and also his vision to make them decent citizens with strict discipline. Last week, the governor announced a plan to launch a CD with a song aimed at preaching to schoolchildren about punctuality. CD handouts are for nearly 500 city schools.
What an effort!
In launching the campaign, the governor may not realise that we are in an era when the CD is near extinction and even a techno-idiot like me knows how City Hall could save money by using a free file-sharing system, instead of "outdated" CDs. Yet, I will skip the issue of unwise use of budget this time.
I simply wonder if the governor is missing the point or is simply naive. Does he really think Bangkok residents grew up without being taught about punctuality?
According to the media attached to City Hall, Pol Gen Aswin has set an inspiring example with his punctuality, always arriving for work on time.
But everyone knows his punctuality, like VIPs in this country, is possible only because the governor has privileges on the roads with a motorcade and motorcycle police who help ensure his limousine can neatly circumvent everyday traffic.
But obviously he has forgotten that Bangkokians don't have such a luxury.
For many, punctuality is not a matter of choice. It's definitely not true that people think it's cool to be late, as governor Aswin may believe. Most city people try their best to be punctual for an appointment or for work, but occasionally cannot make it.
If the governor has no idea why punctuality can be difficult, he should try living the underprivileged life of an ordinary resident for a week, using public transportation, relying on the BMTA system which is known for its unreliable service.
After a week, the governor would learn the plight of city residents. And that they aren't poorly brought up or being late on purpose.
In addition to inefficient public transport, the governor should realise that public housing -- accommodation for low- and middle-income people in the heart of the city that enable residents to avoid road traffic -- is almost nil. The only public housing project, provided by City Hall two decades ago, is located deep inside the Ramkhamhaeng area with only two public transport options, BMTA buses and the Saen Saep boat service.
Meanwhile, the other state project for low-income residents, known as the Din Daeng flats, which is operated by the Housing Authority, is facing a very uncertain future right now.
This is the daily scenario for those who never earn enough to live in the CBD areas, where the cost of living spikes faster than their pay cheque. Before dawn, they have to get ready for their daily plight, trying to get to their workplace on time. Some may be lucky enough to afford a private car, but they have to ensure travel extra time due to the traffic. Those who are not that lucky have to put up with the BMTA service, public vans or motorcycle taxis which can be dangerous.
Forget about the rail transport system which is efficient but not affordable for this group of people. Not to mention that rail doesn't cover all the peripheral areas where ordinary people live. And I believe the readers know how taxis are not helpful as the drivers are still not immune to turning down passengers.
Should I remind the governor that this is the scenario for a normal day, without rain? Governor Aswin should know better than anyone that his Bangkok is severely flood-prone. On any rainy day, it can be a nightmare for commuters. How can people get to work or children arrive at school on time?
It is equally funny and sad that while many developed countries have advanced into discussing autonomous vehicles or ride-sharing systems to enhance the mobility of their people, Bangkok is still discussing how to make rush hours less of a nightmare.
Sometimes, I cannot help but think the whole matter is a practical joke by the governor. An attempt to show a sense of dark humour by including a song to nurture children's awareness of punctuality and believing it will work magic, while pressing problems like traffic congestion, lack of efficient transport, etc remain.
I have to admit that I've not yet heard governor Aswin's song. But I'm sure the lyrics must address the importance of punctuality as a norm that students must adhere to. If it's not too late, I'd like to suggest he add one key line: Wake up earlier tomorrow so you have more time to spare in the traffic -- and you will always be punctual, and la la la.
Sirinya Wattanasukchai is a Bangkok Post columnist.