Untitled Document

		Comparison
		Bhichit Rattakul VS Samak Sundaravej



		Administrative team Bhichit Four deputies and 40 advisers. His team were empowered to command city officials Samak Four deputies and nine advisers. His team have less power than their counterparts in the previous Bhichit administration. Their mandate is to advise and iorm the governor - not to direct BMA officials Working goal Bhichit "I intend to give Bangkokians an even better environment and higher quality of life in the new millennium. This will set standards for the future.'' Samak "I would try to make Bangkok an international capital city. I'd like to work in peace with 50,000 city officials. Campaign promises Bhichit Improve public transportation; legalise the public van transportation service; create bicycle lanes; improve the quality of life of Bangkok residents; develop recreational and occupational centres for local communities; operate a ten-bed community hospital in each district; clean up the city, including the dust-free roads project and an anti-littering campaign; food safety, the most prominent of this initiative, was the drive to stop chemical-contaminated vegetables entering Bangkok markets. Samak Improve the quality of life of slum dwellers; solve water shortage problems in Min Buri, Nong Chok and Lat Krabang; improve standards at BMA schools; highlight the concept of ring and interconnected roads to move more people out to the suburbs; increase the number of community sports centers and greenbelt areas; create clean and cheaper food centers for city residents Relationship with city councillors and city officials Bhichit He sent representatives to councillor meetings instead of attending them himself. Bhichit: Many officials complained about him "having too many bosses'' because of his large administrative team. Samak Since assuming power, he has impressed councillors by always attending their meetings Samak Only a few permanent officials dare to argue with him. Relationship with the media Bhichit He often brought along a pack of reporters, especially when he visited flood-hit areas, construction sites, refuse landfills, etc Bhichit He enjoyed a close relationship with journalists who received good care and attention from his staff. Samak: He prefers to avoid the media spotlight on the grounds he is already famous and therefore promoting himself is needless. Samak He isn't as close to reporters and has criticised them as a burden on the country's development Vision on public participation Bhichit "I want the 10 million people of Bangkok to see a difference in their lives, with the air they breathe, with the water in the river, with their surroundings in the city, but most importantly, I want them to participate in the struggle for these good things. "Without public participation, no environmental improvements will be sustainable over the long-term.'' Samak "Voting is the only responsibility for the people. After an election, citizens must allow elected persons to work independently. "Our society would be under developed if the authorities had to listen to every person's opinion.'' Public perception Bhichit Known as "Mr Green'' and an environmental activist. Though he claimed he wanted to avoid publicity, some people viewed him as a publicity seeker or an "image maker." Samak A man who appears to have all the answers. He is perceived as outspoken, decisive and courageous in his actions. He has extensive knowledge about irastructure development but some say he is too old to be governor.


	Traffic / Transportation	Pollution
	Rubbish ' Toxic waste	City aesthetics
	Education	Public health / Sanitation
	Street vendors	Comparison
	What the critics say	Content with thinking up big projects
	Every thing's under control	Bangkokians express their opinions
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