On Saturday morning, as city officials and invited guests were lining up to welcome Deputy Governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul who was due to officiate a city function, everything seemed to go as planned.
The former street protest leader turned top city administrator -- dressed in casual attire -- emerged from his official vehicle in a good mood, greeting those who received him at the venue. Yet, the deputy governor did not seem disturbed by his chosen mode of transport, that decidedly was not a good fit with the theme of the event: Car-free day. In principle, those who participated in the event were supposed to opt for public transport or bicycles, but Mr Sakoltee -- as well as his aides -- was an exception. Or should I say, had the privilege?
Ploenpote Atthakor is editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.
