After the riots of 2010 and the great floods of 2011, Bangkok needed some good news - and in 2012, it got it. Two surveys by respected travel magazines named the city of angels the best city in Asia and the world.
Bangkok folk see many faults in the city and want the authorities to think of them as much as they think of tourists. PATIPAT JANTHONG
In July Bangkok was voted the world's best city by readers of Travel+Leisure magazine, beating other popular cities including Florence, Rome and Paris.
Then in December, Conde Nast Traveler, the prestigious US-based travel magazine, announced Thailand's capital as the best city in Asia based on a reader survey. The vote took into account cuisine, cultural spots, accommodation and shopping options.
The ranking, however, might raise the eyebrows of many local residents, who still have to struggle against many problems in their everyday life, ranging from traffic congestion, air pollution to frequent street protests.
As the city counts down to 2013, and with the election of the new Bangkok governor just two months away, the Bangkok Post talked to Bangkok residents and City Hall executives about what they wanted for the city next year.
Less traffic, clean air
Boonsong Charoensap, 47, a driver of city bus No.95:
"I want to see better traffic conditions in Bangkok. I have been working as a bus driver for nine years and the traffic problem is getting worse and worse every year. City bus drivers have to spend a lot more time to complete each trip. For example, I used to complete the loop from Bang Khen to Bang Kapi in two hours in past years, but now I spend up to three hours.
"There are no effective measures to solve road congestion. I also notice that the number of private cars is increasing, possibly because of the government's tax reduction scheme for first-car buyers.
"I hope the problem will be a priority for the government as well as the new Bangkok governor.
"I also wish that I could get a higher salary so that I can survive the rising cost of living in Bangkok, and I wish that there are no more political confrontations because it only obstructs the country's economic development."
No more political violence
Somsiri Kaewsaidee, 40, a fruit vendor:
"I wish for more unity and less conflict in our society. During the prolonged political protest in Bangkok, which took place from March to May 2010, my income dropped sharply and I had to spend almost all of my savings to look after my kids. It was a tough time for us and I don't want that to occur again.
"This year is a good year, I could make a lot of money from selling fruit and I hope my business will be better next year.
"As for City Hall, I would like officials to speed up flood compensation payments.
"My house in Sai Mai district was badly flooded last year and I haven't received the 20,000-baht compensation."
Skytrain extension
Paveena Wongme, 30, security guard:
"Traffic congestion is the biggest problem for me.
I have to waste more than four hours on the road travelling to and from my house in Don Muang to my work place at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in Phya Thai district.
I should have more time with my son and rest at home, but that goal seems impossible for me in these traffic conditions.
"I hope the new Bangkok governor speeds up the sky train extension from Mor Chit terminal to Don Muang area to help people living in Bangkok's outskirts.
"I have a New Year wish - it is not about the development of Bankok, but for those who are risking their lives in the far South.
"My father is a soldier who used to work in the South.
"Every time we heard reports about violent attacks, our family would be concerned about his safety. I would like to see peace in the far South so that every soldier's family doesn't have to be worry and can spend the New Year's holidays together.
"I hope the people and soldiers in the deep South can be safe."
City of active citizens
Deputy Bangkok governor Theerachon Manomaipiboon:
"I wish to see Bangkok residents become more active in taking care of our city.
"People can help make Bangkok a better place to live by doing small activities such as cleaning up the areas in front of their houses. Everybody can take part in the city's development without having to wait for authorities.
"Public recommendations are needed for city administrators to devise policies.
"The public must help the authorities to keep watch for any wrongdoing in the city, such as littering.
"I want society to reduce conflicts over people's opinions and help move the city forward. Bangkok should be supported as a livable city, not only a city for tourists."
More support for youth
Deputy Bangkok governor Malinee Sukvejworakit:
"The capital's youth must be supported with good education and morality. This kind of attitude is seen in various cities including Japan's Tokyo and Osaka. Working on [boosting] intelligence may not be enough in education.
If they are short of morals, they could become smart bandits and exploit the country. We must ensure that our schools put more moral emphasis on their teaching. The best is dhamma. I also wish Bangkok will become a livable city which has facilities to promote healthy living, full of green spaces, convenient transport and discipline among the people.
"Regarding the new governor, I want the next Bangkok Metropolitan Administration chief to have a vision, which can be turned into practical policies."