A tale of two cities
<p>A tale of two cities</p><p> I always thought Bangkok was no better than Jakarta; How wrong
I was! My family and I went there for a short break and came away
impressed.</p><p>The sky-train offers an efficient and comfortable mode of
transportation within Bangkok serving key locations at reasonable
prices. The surprisingly extensive choice of consumer goods
almost rivals that of Hong Kong and Singapore. Road-users observe
the rules of the road and people respect no smoking signs; You do
sense some degree of law and order. The recent APEC meeting might
have had something to do with it.</p><p>It must be admitted that most tourists typically encounter the
greener and more pleasant side of things, and Thailand must have
more problems than meet the eye. And it wasn't very long ago that
both Thailand and Indonesia shared many similar structural
problems. Whatever the case, the country seems to make a pretty
good impression on the world and I am certain many would agree
with me.</p><p>The Asia crisis was triggered, though not caused, by the
devaluation of the Thai Baht. Somehow Thailand, if Bangkok
represents a true and fair picture, has managed to resume the
course of economic growth while Jakarta is still sitting on its
backside losing precious time.</p><p>If the latest proposed Baht 30 (US$0.75) medical plan for the
needy comes to fruition, then the country will really be living
up to its advertising slogan; Amazing Thailand.</p><p>This begs the question: What are the city administrators are
doing for Jakarta and the ruling elite for our country?</p><p>
M. Chan
Jakarta</p>
I was! My family and I went there for a short break and came away
impressed.</p><p>The sky-train offers an efficient and comfortable mode of
transportation within Bangkok serving key locations at reasonable
prices. The surprisingly extensive choice of consumer goods
almost rivals that of Hong Kong and Singapore. Road-users observe
the rules of the road and people respect no smoking signs; You do
sense some degree of law and order. The recent APEC meeting might
have had something to do with it.</p><p>It must be admitted that most tourists typically encounter the
greener and more pleasant side of things, and Thailand must have
more problems than meet the eye. And it wasn't very long ago that
both Thailand and Indonesia shared many similar structural
problems. Whatever the case, the country seems to make a pretty
good impression on the world and I am certain many would agree
with me.</p><p>The Asia crisis was triggered, though not caused, by the
devaluation of the Thai Baht. Somehow Thailand, if Bangkok
represents a true and fair picture, has managed to resume the
course of economic growth while Jakarta is still sitting on its
backside losing precious time.</p><p>If the latest proposed Baht 30 (US$0.75) medical plan for the
needy comes to fruition, then the country will really be living
up to its advertising slogan; Amazing Thailand.</p><p>This begs the question: What are the city administrators are
doing for Jakarta and the ruling elite for our country?</p><p>
M. Chan
Jakarta</p>