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Published on October 15, 2007

He recalled a taxi ride to the institute where he works on Phaholyothin Road. While on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, the cab driver drove near a small traffic island in the middle of the road, rather than taking the left lane. It turned out that the driver wanted to drop an empty bottle of energy drink on the traffic isle.

Panich could not suppress his surprise and he asked the driver if he had no concern for the safety of those who mow the grass. What if the mower blade broke the bottle and injured them? The driver shrugged and said the Bangkok Metropo-litan Adminis-tration would have to take care of the injuries. He would continue doing his job, driving the cab.

Another thing that bothers him is seeing private car owners throwing cigarette butts out their windows, though cars have ashtrays.

"It seems everybody thinks that as long as they are paying taxes to the government, they can do anything. If the mindset of Thais does not change, Thailand will never change," he said with a sigh.

Indeed, the perception was confirmed when he became director of the Thailand Productivity Institute, which is tasked with increasing productivity and hence competitiveness.

He remembered the day when a state official wondered why Thailand needed to increase product quality when manufacturers are already required to meet standards. "That surely demonstrates that Thai products are of some quality," the official said.

Panich was surprised by this. He should not be.

Walking around cinemas these days, he notices many moviegoers lining up for tickets for comedy movies.

A movie critic said that Thais are tired of serious stuff - they opt for fun to avoid the harsh realities of life. That's why most European films - which deal with deeper feelings - are ignored.

Amid bad economic news, how often do you hear people on the street talk about their productivity? Concerned with their future income, they just hope that conditions improve and they can enjoy a pay rise.

It's no surprise that Panich, after two years of service, plans to say goodbye when his four-year term ends. Having graduated in public finance, he prefers to work in the cold world

of figures. These have proved more fun and more realistic than dealing with people.

achara_d@nationgroup.com