Bangkok is the Venice of the East.The city has an extensive network of canals or klongs connecting the suburbs with the downtown district.For many Bangkok residents,the business day begins with a ride on a water bus.The boats are powered by 350 horsepower engines and charge down the narrow waterways speeding commuters to their destination.
The boats are sleek and fast.This sometimes looks like an untroubled way to travel.But in reality the boats are roaring round a massive obstacle course.The canals are polluted with all kinds of trash and waste from construction sites.And although a clean-up’s under way,the water buses take a battering from the debris in the water.A vessel plying the busy Klong Sansar lasts just five years.Not very long for a water bus that costs US $30,000.
There is a high depreciation rate.Chavalit Metprapart runs a water bus service on klong Sansar and builds his own boats in this factory.Chavalit says he is pouring money into boats,reinforcing them,repairing them,adapting them for the difficult conditions they have to endure.
At certain times of the year,the klongs get flooded and as water levels rise,it becomes very difficult for the boats to pit under the bridges.Fortunately,Chavalit has found a way to collapse the canopy on his boats.Unfortunately,some experts still see the crowded klongs as potentially hazardous.
The stories of those docks giving way and people fall right into the klong.
Experts say Chavalit should play up his safety record which is good both on the boats and in the piers.They say he should welcome more competition because that leads to better service and build boats that sit higher in the water since they are less bombarded by debris.
By the way,getting on and off a water bus,watch your footing,you don't want to fall into a klong.If you do ,expect company.
Andrew Brown,CNN,Bangkok.