Chadchart loo push raises a stink

Chadchart loo push raises a stink

We don't need any further evidence that Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt has had a very busy schedule over the past few weeks in order to achieve his ambitious goal _ to improve the public transport system.

After his air-conditioned bus trip from his office to Don Mueang airport _ this was the time he had to jump off the bus in haste to switch to his limousine to avoid missing his flight _ the minister then had various adventures: Taking a bus, boarding a train, riding a bike, checking the ailing Airport Link service. He spoke to people on the ground _ the passengers _ to gain input. He shared his adventures on his Facebook page; his photos appeared in every newspaper.

(Bangkok governor take note. Mr Chadchart will be a tough rival if he switches to local politics at the next governor election.)

During his inspection trip of the Mor Chit bus terminal, Mr Chadchart made a surprise announcement about public toilet services. He thinks the fees for using public toilets must no longer be charged. The reason?

He believes it's the basic right of passengers to have access to toilet facilities.

In principle, the minister is right - partially.

In fact, toilets at bus and train stations used to be free about 20 to 30 years ago when we still had janitors maintaining them. Things changed for the better when station managements hired cleaning companies to take care of the facilities.

In the "janitor" era, all the toilets at these stations were in a sorry state. They were filthy and stank. The smell was so pungent there was no need to seek out a "toilet" sign. You would just follow your nose, if you dared.

We have to admit that, with things are in professional hands, toilets at bus and train stations _ as well as those in public places such as temples and petrol stations _ have improved over the years.

They are still a far cry from toilets at top hotels or restaurants. But most facilities at public transport venues are clean enough and and well-maintained. This is the case with Hua Lamphong and Mor Chit as well as Ekamai.

Mr Chadchart's interest in toilets reminds me of state efforts to try to improve toilet culture. I don't recall seeing any "keep clean" signs when using public toilets in countries in the West. In Thailand, it's just the opposite _ but the condition of some public toilets is still dubious.

Another sign that will be familiar for users is: "Please do not step on the toilet seats". It seems some of us still can't adjust to the modern toilet bowl _ the type that the Public Health Ministry is trying to arrange as replacements for the traditional squat-type toilet, arguing it is for health reasons.

In fact, past governments came up with bold moves to improve public toilet services by launching awareness campaigns such as "clean toilet contests" in various types of public places including schools and petrol stations.

For petrol stations, toilet cleanliness has indeed become a deciding factor for motorists when they choose a place to stop when going upcountry. Petrol stations put up big and clear "clean toilet" signs to make them more attractive to customers.

It can be said we are still better placed compared with our near and far neighbours (as long as we are not competing with Singapore and Japan) when it comes to the issue of public toilets.

Apart from cleanliness, the availability of public toilets, especially in Bangkok and tourist cities like Pattaya and Chiang Mai is quite acceptable. But without proper toilet culture, cleaning public toilets is a demanding job.

Mr Chadchart's initiative makes many of us worry. The minister did not give any information about going back to the free toilet era. Do we have to depend on bureaucratic janitors again?

Without cleaning companies to do the job, it means each bus terminal _ and maybe each train station _ will have to bear the budget burden for the service. Hopefully, this will not lead to compromising on cleanliness and hygiene.

Having clean public toilets is our right.


Ploenpote Atthakor is Deputy Editorial Pages Editor, Bangkok Post.

Ploenpote Atthakor

Former editorial page Editor

Ploenpote Atthakor is former editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.

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