Bangkok encounters...

I experienced something new during the recent weekend getaway in Bangkok.

As with other cities, Bangkok has its own social structure. It has evolved over time and for sure no end is in sight. With the introduction of modernity and technology, Bangkok while energetic, still reeks of excessive will to simply survive.

Not least, little children are everywhere begging for that little help to live. Their innocent eyes are crystal clear yet devoid of feelings.... Adults are more proactive and many resort to little underhand tricks for that extra Baht... Half built complexes bustling with people making their business thrive there... And finally, the cruising of Chao Phraya river which offers a glimpse of traditional riverine lifestyles, also afford insights into the character of the city that can be very intriguing and contradicting...

Bangkok is definitely one that offers opportunities, but the vicious living cycle of the poor also cannot be ignored. How can they break away when basic livelihood is already at stake?

Education is the key to change. Only with right level of knowledge and language skills that one can make that conscious choice to make a difference in his life. But education really depends on the government's efforts in laying the ground right, the family sending the kids to school willingly as well as the means to support the kids and more.

It's not an easy problem to solve. In retrospect, I can't help but begin to appreciate our government's deep belief in education and its relentless effort in ensuring a tight educational fabric where all kinds of kids are covered, be it the usual junior colleges to university for the studious ones or polytechnics and even ITE where kids yearn to learn a viable and practical skill that is relevant to the society.

This is effective only if the kids in return make full use of the system and support given. Thankfully, our parents also believe in education. This is really......... a basic but good start to all things.