How far between each mall?

Mr Meldew seems well versed on the number of public parks in Bangkok and how often people use them. From that, I read that he likes and uses parks, so it is hard to understand exactly why he says there are enough of them.

Bangkok is one of the least-green capitals in the world. Stockholm is said to be the greenest, with 40 per cent of the inner city dotted with all kinds of green lungs. What Bangkok lacks is smaller parks and gardens dotted around the inner city where people can stroll around.

Almost all land plots are now given over to shopping centres, hotels, condos and car parks. A few potential park properties are left, among them the possible "Nana Garden" plot. Green lungs are good for people, both their mental and physical health and general wellbeing. The more of them, the better. I do not see Bangkok's commercial activity in any way close to being hindered by the few garden possibilities that are left in the inner city.

The distance between parks is no argument, either. I googled a map of Southampton in the UK because I'll be going there in May. To my joy I saw seven parks in the inner city, five of them linked together and stretching up to two kilometres in length. I am sure there are more small gardens, trees and benches. What counts is the size of all the green areas together in a city, and that they are accessible for everybody, not only the "haves".

Mr Meldew is concerned about the distance between parks. I ask how far and it is between Bangkok's shopping centres, how many minutes' walk. And how many minutes should it be?

Bangkok is overheating. Concrete buildings store heat - parks do not. Why should anybody feel threatened by a few more parks? Do parks hurt people? What better use of the Nana property? I hope the city governor is able do the right thing and see what is urgent and for the future - because Bangkok is at the point of no return.

A Johnsen

Chon Buri