Humanizing Bangkok

For the future, Bangkok Forum has been planning a long-term project called “Humanizing Bangkok”. Again, this project follows the same theme set out above. It is divided into five major topics.

1. Conservation and restoration of neighborhoods and communities: This is to point out that a strong society needs to have a strong foundation of communities. Communities which communicate and cooperate with one another will be a “social capital” which is important for appropriate social development.

2. Aesthetics of city life: The happiness of individuals and families cannot be separated from urban culture and scenery. Bangkok had been a beautiful city in the past. The name “ Venice of the East” given to the old Bangkok is still in the fond memory of many long-time residents. To restore the city to its old glory would give Bangkokians a sense of pride.

3. Management of the urban environment: This is related to the city’s aesthetics. It deals with the cleanliness and orderliness, and healthfulness of the city. It involves proper management of waste and pollution of all kinds, conservation of valuable natural resources, creation of more public parks and open green space, and so on.

4. Management of the urban geography and city life: This deals with the physical planning of the city to increase interaction among residents and make life less impersonal. Proper planning would create many centers of city life to lesson the effect of population density and cut down on travelling by motor vehicles to “create time” for other more intellectually-stimulating and socially beneficial activities.

The Imperative of an Active Citizenry

It is obvious that this project as well as Bangkok Forum’s objectives would not be realized without full participation of the Bangkok’s citizens. An active citizenry is a necessary condition of Bangkok Forum’s success and Bangkok’s survival.