The civic-minded Bourgeois Association of Bangkok (B.A.B.) has begun handing out awards to people who leave their cars at home. We spoke to the president, Patraya na Narong, to find out more about the initiative.

BK: So why the awards?

PnN: Well, as we all know, traffic has become absolutely hellish in Bangkok, and it’s all down to Yingluck’s first-car scheme. It’s an absolute disaster. I was stuck on Rama 4 for ages the other night.

BK: Stuck… on a bus?

PnN: Haha. That’s very funny. No, stuck in my car. It was so bad that after an hour I had to just leave my driver and take the MRT to Asoke. 

BK: So you’re saying everyone should use public transport?

PnN: Well no, not everyone, but we definitely don’t think cars should be for everyone either. It’s just not environmentally sound for everyone to have a car. So we want to positively reward those people using motorbikes or buses for the sacrifice they make to improve the city’s traffic.

BK: Can you give us an example?

PnN: Our first award went to Khun Somchai Angdet. I spotted him on Rama 3, making his way through a torrential downpour on his Honda Dream. Riding with Khun Somchai were his son, 3, and his daughter, 6. What a guy! I immediately gave him a congratulatory tartan-printed rain coat monogrammed B.A.B.

BK: It kind of sounds unsafe for his kids, and they might get sick. You don’t think this guy should get an eco-car?

PnN: That’s a good point. Khun Somchai is particularly brave but we don’t just recommend motorcycles. We’d encourage people to take the bus, too. Of course, we can’t really recommend the BTS, as it’s already very crowded, and during these tough times, some members of the B.A.B. actually have to use it, so clearly we need to give them priority.

BK: So anything as long as it’s not an eco-car, or the BTS?

PnN: Yes, and so many buses are free! But it’s also about making a positive impact. Next time you’re in the back of your BMW about to complain on Facebook about your utter contempt for the first-car scheme, try to see if there isn’t something more positive you can do, such as giving a friendly wave to those glum-looking people on the bus. Every little bit helps to keep people from driving.

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