A tale of two cities

A tale of two cities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This begs the question: What are the city administrators are doing for Jakarta and the ruling elite for our country?

M. Chan Jakarta