2019 is going to be the year in which Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang will be more generous and refrain from implementing policies which may upset people.
The reason for this shift is the changing political atmosphere. Mr Aswin was appointed by the military government and was once a member of the Democrat Party. While he has remained mum about his political career, there have been rumours that he has been approached by political parties.
His affiliation with the government will force him to refrain from upsetting people as the general election nears. Yet, he has not ruled out running for governor again after the vote takes place. It is at this time that Bangkok residents can expect to see his political aims.
Mr Aswin is known for pushing unpopular policies such as removing street vendors from pavements and even bulldozing old communities like the Mahakan Fort one to build a park. In 2019, expect to see him conduct more populist campaigns to garner more supporters in the city.
Better welfare and service
Mr Aswin is well known for his interest in improving city schools, hospitals and elderly centres.
Last year, he ordered a budget increase for lunches at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) schools. This means schools in the capital can expect to see similar generosity this year. Moreover, city schools are now also offering English and Chinese language classes and vocational training to "upskill" students.
This year, Bangkok residents can also expect to see more creative involvement across BMA schools through initiatives such as inviting students to paint the wall of schools and similar extra-curricular activities.
Regarding health care, BMA hospitals have started sending doctors or health officials to visit patients in communities to reduce overcrowding in hospitals. Mr Aswin has also ordered hospitals to improve facilities and services. Some city hospitals are now receiving praises and residents can expect to see good things from BMA-affiliated hospitals.
Still 'Venice of The East'
It is fair to say that under the current regime and Mr Aswin, canal development has been prioritised like never before. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is known to back revitalising canals in Bangkok so that they can be used for transport.
Gen Prayut wants to plug gaps in transport by using canals coupled with MRT from Hua Lamphong station, buses, and various piers to make access to the Thewes area easier, an initiative Mr Aswin has followed closely.
The project is part of the government's "Wheel, Boat and Rail" transportation strategy which refers to a network of connections between boats and trains.
As a result, the BMA has tried to reopen and expand routes along various canals such as Klong Phasi Charoen. It has built a path for passengers disembarking from boats to get to BTS Bang Wa Station. The BMA also has plans to connect more piers with train stations where possible.
The BMA, with government support, is also trying to end encroachment on canals. Encroachers along canals such as Klong Lat Phrao have been relocated to new housing nearby.
The BMA, by the end of last year, also launched clean up programmes within communities and along canals. In light of this, people can expect to see cleaner canals this year.
Bye bye to Promenade?
A high-level source has revealed that the government has accepted that it must suspend -- or even abandon -- the Chao Phraya River Promenade, a plan to build a walkway along both sides of the river.
The river walk project floated by Gen Prayut, is 14km long and is expected to cost 14 billion baht of taxpayers' money.
"The BMA has finished the design and environmental studies. We sent all the information to the Ministry of Interior several months ago for final approval. But it has kept unusually quiet about it," said the source.
It is believed the government is wary of complications that could affect the way people vote during this year's election. Since the project was floated in 2015, the city and government have only received criticism.
The development project on the banks of the Chao Phraya River was one of the first ideas floated after Gen Prayut's government took power.
The BMA has diligently followed the plan and tried to make the project materialise despite fierce resistance from the public and academic community. Criticism of it has been led by a group called FOR (Friends of The River), which has also sued the BMA.
The project, which Gen Prayut had high hopes for, has become a weight round the government and the current BMA administration's necks.
However, it would be premature to expect the project will be axed for good. It can certainly be revived if the government and Mr Aswin remain at the helm.
