Editorial
Those violent Internet images: blame everyday stress The Internet has been ‘entertaining’ us recently with all kinds of incidents involving road rage, violent scuffles, arguments, fights and even murder in Thailand. Such graphic images are not representative of life here; the vast majority of Thais are reasonable, peace-loving people who handle problems and accept difficulties with far greater equanimity than is the norm in most other countries. However, there’s also no doubting that violence, physical as well as verbal, is on the increase, especially in Bangkok. And it’s not rocket science to work out why that is the case. The culprit, of course, is stress. A mere 40 years ago, Bangkok was a low-rise, laid-back city where virtually everybody had access to space, inexpensive accommodation in houses often set in tree-filled compounds, and mostly empty streets. In fact, urban life back then was more or less an extension of the unhurried and generally tranquil ways of the village. The easy-going temperament of Thais was one of Bangkok’s greatest assets. Today’s Bangkok is so different, opposite in almost every way to the city of the past. It may still be popular with short-stay visitors from overseas, but Bangkok is no longer an easy city for its citizens. Tempers are short because of the unyielding congestion, the ever-rising cost of living, and the lack of time and space for recreation. Tiny apartments in giant condos do not provide the same peace of mind as a house and garden. In short, the stress for the majority is enormous. In such an environment it’s hardly surprising tempers fray so easily. Stand by for more of those Internet ‘clips.’
Incentives needed to tackle the problem of a greying population
Thailand’s ageing population is one of the biggest challenges facing this nation. The World Bank among others has already issued warnings about the cost and responsibility of looking after these old folks. The number of people over 65 is set to increase from seven per cent of the population in 2003 to 14 per cent in 2015. This will result in fewer younger people to take care of the country’s senior citizens. Meanwhile, falling birth rates, particularly in cities and urban areas, will exacerbate this problem. The government has responded with a plan to give tax breaks to couples with children. Will it be enough? Almost certainly not. A few hundred baht extra take-home money is hardly an inducement or incentive to start a family or increase it. Thailand should follow the lead of other countries like Singapore, and urgently increase the stock of low-cost government housing for young families on limited incomes. Otherwise, there won’t be enough people around in 20 or 30 years’ time to look after the nation’s greying population.
Mandarin Oriental’s key asset
When the Mandarin Oriental celebrated its 140th anniversary at a spectacular riverside party last month, the general manager’s speech to guests rightly stressed the importance of its staff in the hotel’s enduring popularity and success, describing them as a key asset. Those who know and love Thailand’s oldest hotel will certainly concur, having experienced for themselves levels of service and personal attention rarely seen in today’s world. A few days earlier, hundreds of delegates to the Thailand Travel Forum listened to speeches about the future of the hotel industry in general. It will be, they were told, one dominated by a few major companies run by faceless accountants intent on reducing staff costs by introducing the latest technology that dispenses with people such as check-in staff and bell boys. Without the personal touch, as defined so wonderfully by the Oriental, hotels of the future are going to be bleak, frigid and impersonal entities. Long live the Oriental.
6
TheBigChilli
This issue in
NUMBERS
14
The number of restaurants included in our round up of Bangkok’s best Mexican restaurants. See page 57.
17
The date the Magners International Comedy Festival kicks off next month. You better wear tight socks. See page 26.
80
The number of teams expected to compete at this year’s Hooters Bangkok International Rugby Tens Tournament. See page 28.
1996
The year Fred Tibbitts decided to give all of his belongings away and devote his life to serving others. See page 76.
200
The number of people arrested when Pol Gen Wuthi ordered a nine-day crackdown in Pattaya. See page 80.
1m.
The value (1 million), in baht, of the Batman Utility Belt on display at the Batcat Museum in Bangkok. See page 14.