The Opening of Terminal 21            Thai Floods 2011 Bangkokians showed massive unity in their support, rallying together to show that we stand together in our love of shopping.Bangkokians tried really hard to care, going so far as to put B20 bills in boxes and attend support parties.Should boost the economy by 0.8-0.9%Should cut GDP growth by 0.8-0.9% “Would Bangkokians keep shopping if the rest of the country were underwater?” is no longer a hypothetical question.“Would the gods get angry if a female prime minister were elected? ” is no longer a taboo question.Rampant urbanism and chopping down of forests (wood is the season’s hot décor trend) to thank.Rampant urbanism and chopping down of forests to blame. Best Facebook moment: Look, this is me peeing at the Japanese toilets! Best Facebook moment: Look, this is me shopping at 7-Eleven and the Mama noodles are all gone.Prime Minister’s failure to attend opening seen as lack of connection with Bangkokians, at a critical moment in their shopping lives.Prime Minister’s failure to wade crotch-deep into water (unlike Abhisit) seen as failure to connect with upcountry folk.Democrat verdict: T21 is the result of our good governance for the past two years and its affordable fashion a testament to sufficiency economy.Democrat verdict: These floods are the result of poor governance. She had a full four months to prepare for the worst floods in 20 years!Pheu Thai promise: A Terminal 21 in every tambon!**a very, very small version of the one in Bangkok. At some point. Don’t hold your breath.Pheu Thai promise: A new river connecting Pattaya to Chiang Rai, with casinos and theme parks floating on it, and it will all be free.BK verdict: That big wall surrounding Bangkok made it really difficult to connect with the whole flooding concept. Terminal 21, with its large BTS access ramp, is just so much more convenient. Terminal 21 wins!