Bangkok must raise its game

EDITORIAL

In the wake of the bad publicity generated by the 1997 economic collapse, the Tourism Authority rebranded the country's image and launched it internationally as "Amazing Thailand". This catchphrase, combined with favourable foreign exchange rates, proved to be so successful in attracting tourists that it was extended beyond the 1998-99 season and is still in use today, conjuring up a unique perception of the country.

Now the Thai Hotels Association wants to repeat that success, but this time for Bangkok. It teamed up this week with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to promote the charms of the capital through international travel marts, listing these as primarily shopping, entertainment and nightlife. It could be a tough sell because the metropolis attracts mixed emotions, although no one has questioned the "amazing" tag. While well-intentioned, there are pressing issues that should be tackled first.

Ensuring adequate safety for tourists is a key priority. Nothing does more damage to tourism in this age of instant global communications than crimes and scams. Just getting around the city can also pose a hazard. Tourists need to be aware that even pedestrian crossings can be danger zones because motorists usually drive straight through them, even when pedestrians are trying to cross.

While Bangkok likes to think of itself as an Asian "super city", it lacks the quality of life that some of its more disciplined rivals offer. This includes a cleaner garbage-free environment with less air and noise pollution and smoother traffic. Our capital has all the headaches of a mega-city of enormous contrasts playing host to the very rich and the very poor while serving as the country's economic hub. It is rich with culture and history. Yet its very diversity makes it difficult to control. Walkways are often choked with parked motorcycles and makeshift vendor stalls displaying goods and food for sale, forcing pedestrians into the road, which is how accidents occur.

For the tourist, chronic traffic congestion can ruin carefully planned itineraries and the high noise and pollution levels can assault the senses. There is a disturbing lack of greenery with Bangkokians having to make do with 3.9 sq m of green space per person, which ranks among the lowest in the world, although the capital's first dog park is finally under construction. Paris has more than double this amount while New York has 21.6 sq m and London 33.4 sq m - 10 times as much.

Add to this the 8,900 tonnes of garbage generated daily, the 52,000 new cars joining the roads every month and the estimated 1,000 people a day taking up residence in the capital and all the elements are in place for high stress levels. Despite much talk of improving urban landscaping, what those living in the capital seem to be getting are more featureless condos and other towering concrete blocks that trap the hot and polluted air in the streets.

While residents of the capital have much to complain about and will make their voice heard during elections for city governor early next year, many short-stay tourists say they love the diversity, organised chaos and even traffic jams. The city has even won awards because of this. Their tolerance for what many consider irritants could boost this drive to make Bangkok more of a tourist magnet and less of a stopover on the way to beach or hill resorts. Bear in mind, though, that Thailand is no longer a cheap destination and Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been ranked among the 50 most expensive cities in Asia. The campaign organisers' marketing strategy needs to reflect this.

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/01/bangkok-must-raise-its-game/