Bangkok: Dr. Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk, candidate for Bangkok Governor, visited the Santi Asoke community in Bueng Kum District to learn from their self-reliant community model. Her visit included discussions with Mr. Samdin Lertbut, leader of the Boonniyom Community Network, and an opportunity to interact with residents. The visit was characterized by a warm exchange of ideas focused on promoting an honest and healthy city, which Dr. Mallika plans to expand to Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Mallika's visit emphasized the importance of self-reliant community management, honest living, and public welfare principles that Santi Asoke has maintained for years. Mr. Samdin shared insights from his work with General Chamlong Srimuang, a former Bangkok Governor known for his integrity and contribution to Thai politics. Dr. Mallika expressed her intention to incorporate the principles of "eat less, use less, work more" and public interest-focused governance to enhance transparency and reduce corruption in Bangkok's administration.
Dr. Mallika also endorsed the "Roi Ruang Thong" brown rice, a product from the Boonniyom network, indicating her commitment to promoting healthy food and well-being. She visited the community's landscaped areas, including an artificial waterfall system, as a potential model for improving Bangkok's public parks to enhance recreational spaces and quality of life. The Santi Asoke community serves as a model for self-reliance, organic farming, and moral living, with its network extending across Thailand.
If elected as Governor, Dr. Mallika plans to apply successful community concepts to urban development, focusing on building strong communities, healthy cities, quality parks, and honest governance to make Bangkok more livable. Major General Chamlong Srimuang, the former leader of this community and a two-term Bangkok Governor, founded the Palang Dharma Party with Santi Asoke as a support base. The community practices simplicity, self-reliance, and moral living, influencing public administration with values of honesty and frugality.
Dr. Mallika highlighted Bueng Kum's challenges, such as traffic congestion and flooding, which stem from inadequate public transport and urban expansion. These issues will be addressed by improving public transport options and urban planning. Upon election, Dr. Mallika plans to implement a 14-point strategy to improve conditions across all Bangkok districts.