Kultida Samabuddhi

Urban advocates yesterday called for changes in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act and in city hall's administrative structure to force city officials to listen to public input on solving the city's social, health and environmental problems.

``City problems cannot be tackled only by having a smart city governor,'' said Chaiwat Thirapan, director of Bangkok Forum, a civic group advocating public participation in urban development. ``Public participation in formulating city management policy, restructuring the BMA and the amending of city-related laws is the only means to rehabilitate this heavily-exploited city.''

Mr Chaiwat was speaking at the launch of the ``Big Bang Bangkok'' project, aimed at gathering public opinion on the direction of the city's development and to also encourage public participation in the formulation of urban management policy.

The project is jointly organised by more than 100 non-profit organisations, such as the Health System Research Institution, Slum Dwellers Network, Art Connection Group and Bangkok Youth Council.

Under the project, about 1,000 city residents and urban advocates will be invited to a brainstorming forum on July 17.

A summary of delegates' opinions will be given to candidates in the Aug 29 city governor election.

Mr Chaiwat said public complaints did not get serious attention from the governor and city officials who often claimed that city hall did not have the authority to act.

``This shows that even if we had a nice governor, he or she will be blocked by a clumsy administrative system and poor legislation, which have never taken into account public participation,'' Mr Chaiwat said.

``However, without a long-term collaboration among active citizens and civic groups, these deficient laws and BMA bureaucratic red tape cannot be changed,'' he added.

Nisanart Yothasamut, Bangkok Forum coordinator, said the process of public participation must be clearly stated in the BMA Act and city councillors should be committed to listening to people's opinions.

Chulalongkorn University student Bank Ngarm-arunchote, of the Youth Network, said the upcoming election for governor was an opportunity for young people to take part in political events and make known their opinions on public policy.

``Thai youths have been taught by their parents to stay away from politics, who say that getting involved in politics is dangerous and would disrupt their studies. Such attitudes must be changed. Young people represent a key factor in influencing political change,'' said Mr Bank.

Young people must improve themselves to become active citizens and be more concerned about public policies which affect them, he said.