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Published on July 15, 2007

Nat says

 All great cities have rivals. I mean cities like New York and London, Paris and Rome, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Now I would add Bangkok and Singapore.

I know some people might think I have delusions of grandeur. I'd be the first to admit that, in terms of history or economic and cultural clout, Bangkok and Singapore are hardly the equals of New York and London. However, I honestly believe that they are the cities of the future and, in time, they will take their place among such illustrious company.

I know it's the fashion to knock Singapore right now. But, national security and business deals aside, I have a great many friends there and I'm not about to give them up. I like the city and I visit often.

We in Thailand are a disorganised, spontaneous people. Singaporeans are the polar opposite. They are industrious and focused. However, we can relate because we all have a great love of life. We enjoy our food and shopping. We have a great sense of adventure as long as there is comfort at the end of it. When it's time to party, Singaporeans do it just as well as any Thais as long as they do it here.

The chaos that characterises Bangkok has a charm that you won't find anywhere else. That's what makes my holidays in Singapore so refreshing. After a few weeks of traffic jams, missed deadlines and confusion, I love going over for a dose of efficiency.

I love the fact that in Singapore underground trains are on time and people stand in queues. Isn't it great that when they have Broadway musicals or international-calibre concerts, they unfailingly start on time? How about the fact that, when you ask for something, Singaporeans tell you honestly if it can be done? Not only that, they'll even tell you when.

I feel relief washing over me as soon as I step out of Changi airport. The trees along the road make me breathe more easily. The taxi driver may complain when there are more than 10 cars ahead of him at the intersection but I'm overjoyed that there are only a few more than 10 cars ahead of us at the intersection.

I go to Singapore to shop. If you're buying designer labels, the sales are usually better than those in Hong Kong. I've heard complaints that the selection is not as good, but trust me, during sale season, the dregs in Singapore are better than the dregs in Hong Kong. The electronics are more current as is the sports equipment. Consumer gadgets, like electric nose hair trimmers, are state-of-the-art.

I also like the food. The noodles are delicious. I can spend many a happy hour in the food courts scoffing Hokkien mee, laksa or fried bee hoon. Their stir-fried carrot cake is differently prepared from our turnip cake, but is just as good. Plus, the Chinese fine-dining restaurants are better there.

So, imagine my dismay when my Singaporean friends declare that they come to Bangkok to shop. The local labels are so much cheaper here and there are more bargains to be had. They come here to eat. The street food is so much better and cheaper.

I think we're all quite happy to go to each other's cities as long as we can go home at the end of the holiday.

Cat says

 Bangkok and Singapore are perhaps the two most

popular destinations for visitors to Asia. I've lived in Bangkok for 12 years, and have witnessed the development of Singapore through frequent visits. Over the past decade, the island has rapidly emerged as one of the most civilised, efficient and modern cities in Asia, perhaps even starting to rival - and overtake - some better-known cities in Europe and North America.

For many, however, Singapore is gradually losing its Asian identity. Bangkok, on the other hand, has also developed hugely over the past 12 years, particularly in terms of infrastructure. However, the changes here are merely skin deep - culturally Bangkok has changed very little and still remains a very Asian city.

Comparing Singapore and Bangkok is like comparing apples and pears. To a degree Bangkok is confronting issues that need to be addressed when a city develops - issues that Singapore has already been through, aided by a colonial government under Stamford Raffles and then elevated to a new level under Lee Kuan Yu.

Bangkok, one should remember, is a huge city, representative of a much larger population, of much lower per capita income and developed at a much faster, helter-skelter pace in the past 15 years with little overall planning. Bangkok naturally has been somewhat chaotic. This, in turn, has led to a certain charm of its own.

Stand at the Royal Bangkok Sport Club, and you'll be amazed at the variety and diversity of architecture surrounding you. Okay, Bangkok has its many faults, most noticeable of all are awful traffic, stinking canals, pollution caused by two-stroke motorbikes, rickety old buses and an increasing number of cars. Uneven pavements force you to watch your step. All this is typical of a rapidly developing city with a large population.

Much as I like Singapore with all its modernity, and much as I enjoy visiting, I have to say I still much prefer the culture, tradition and character that Bangkok has to offer. Nevertheless, I think Bangkok has much to learn from Singapore in terms of city planning, traffic, pollution control and protecting Bangkok's natural heritage.

Having lived here for so long, I personally consider Bangkok a very safe city. People here are honest. However, safety in Singapore is on another level - it's the only city in the world where I feel safe travelling in a taxi alone at night. I wouldn't do that anywhere else in the world! I believe there are only rare isolated cases of crime in Singapore.

Singapore is a tiny country with a service- and technology-based economy. It is progressing at top speed, making Singaporeans some of the richest Asians. For many visitors, Singapore isn't a particularly friendly place, but this can be said for many busy cities in the world.

Culturally Thais and Singaporeans are not hugely different, though Thais appear to have a different set of values. Being happy, contented and enjoying life is more important to most Thais. What's more, Bangkok is an especially friendly place. People smile and give friendly greetings all the time. I would say almost all visitors to Bangkok would describe Thais as the friendliest people in the world.

Want an opinion on something? Cat and Nat can be contacted at NnaSWild@aol.com.