Once in a while there will be good news from the Ministry of Culture.
No, the Ministry of Conservatism does not betray its own spirit by catching up with the rest of the world. But the public needs to give it credit for allotting 900 million baht to improving cultural sites and museums across the country.
Part of the budget will be used to improve the database of cultural sites in Thailand. So forget about bland text printed or written on walls (or so we hope). Cultural aficionados, the ministry says, will soon be able to swipe their smartphones to obtain digital information and multimedia from QR codes displayed near the artefacts and art objects.
Needless to say there are many cultural areas that need financial help from the ministry. One area that was ignored completely was the development of access to cultural sites and spaces.
Look no further than the Thailand Cultural Centre (TCC) on Ratchadaphisek Road, where concerts and cultural performances are held regularly. Some departments of the ministry are also located there.
But access to the TCC can dampen the spirit of many culture fans. One long-standing problem and one of the most frequently heard complaints from visitors is the fact that though there is an MRT station nearby _ it's even called Thailand Cultural Centre _ the walking path from there to the centre is undeveloped. With the lack of a proper walkway and traffic lights, TCC visitors can only hope not to be hit by passing cars while making their way to the centre.
Not to mention the "short cut" through the cramped alleyway, via food shops. Imagine when guests in their tuxedoes and gowns have to walk through that _ this may be the main reason why TCC visitors do not want to use public transport and choose to stick to their cars.
Many people (I, for one) always wonder why the ministry does not build a tunnel from the MRT to the TCC. If a tunnel is too expensive to construct, a flyover with sufficient lighting, roof and security will suffice. Even the nearby Cyber World Tower has a footbridge. Every time I see this bridge helping visitors get across the busy and risky Ratchadaphisek Road, I understand why complex owner Charoen Siriwattanapakdi is what he is: a self-made billionaire. I also understand why some people might prefer visiting the nearby shopping malls instead of attending cultural performances at TCC.
The centre is the main venue for cultural events; it's supposed to be the pride and joy of the government and the public. And while efforts have been invested in other areas to improve the content and to ensure the constant supply of quality programmes, the lack of convenient access to the venue is baffling. We will enjoy using our smartphones at cultural sites, but a safe, well-lit and easy pedestrian walkway to the cultural centre will be enjoyed more.
Anchalee Kongrut is a feature writer for Life section of the Bangkok Post.