Priority parking – the story : ‘Parking problem at Suan-luang Rama IX’

Suan-luang
Rama IX’ I began to go for exercise more often at Suan-luang RAMA IX, a public park. Surprisingly, what I found was only 4 priority parking lots in total which were separated into 2 zones. Meaning that each zone had only 2 priority parking for PWDs. It’s such a very few lucky times these priority parking would be free of use and thus I could be able to park on it. Basically, I didn’t want to take it seriously, just observing things happening here.

It was Sunday and there were tons of people coming here. Soon after 17:00, all parking lots were almost full. Actually I found empty one far away from the entrance but unwillingly to go for it, as I would possibly get serious trouble when I return, because there would be intense double parking and leaved me no room for getting in-out from my car.

On the left-hand side from the spot where I parked, there were thousands of motorcycle. I kindly asked a security guard to help moving those. (Thank you). When I was about to park, at the very moment, there was another car moving out. Before I would start my exercise plan, I took some time observing people’s behavior here.

1. I would kindly ask to move and build right understanding for those ineligible and unnecessary that “Excuse me sir/ madam, please leave a room for those in serious need. You guys are so young and healthy. There might be an empty lots just over there ahead.” Everybody was so nice. They understood and willingly followed what I’d explained.
2. There was a car full of family members: father, mother, children, and grandmother. The mother opening the door was my first sight, so I rushed to politely tell her that “Excuse me mam, my apology but if you can better leave some rooms for the one who are really need.”She replied “Here, I came along with my grandmother. She barely could walk so well.” As I noticed, the grandmother still could walk quite good, not very good but adequate to walk by her own. Anyway, the mother went to help supporting her mother as if she could barely walk by herself.Then, the father was just coming out from the car then I said the same “Excuse me sir, please leave some rooms…, Your passenger has been dropped off then, you may move your car.” He seemed to be very confusing of what was going on. The child also began to get off. I said to him that “Hey boy, can you do me a favor. I would like you to tell your dad to move this car?”I turned my eyes to the mother. She’s accompanying her mother into the park. But I saw her eyes that seemingly the same as those majority. It’s the eyes implying that “I want to park on it anyway. What you are gonna do?” Good thing still existed as the father finally moved the car out. I didn’t forget to thank you him. When I finished my workout and about to get back in my car, I saw the very same family. The grandmother also apologized me for what happened.
3. Before I leaved, I asked a security guard to call for the head of this park. It ended up via telephone call. I pointed out some concerns and would like them to take charge. Also I handed them an instruction of accessibility, as well as my business card, and firmly stated that we have to work together. You have to improve some issues like a priority parking in the park while I’ll help you on public-mind concern.

This is a true story happening in our routine life. There are always problems when it comes to priority parking issue. If you think this is such a small issue, you are probably wrong. The result of the surface seems to be miniature but its root problem, lack of public-mind, is destroying our society in countless dimensions. We can’t just standstill and think it’s none of our business. It would affect you by the way, in some ways at least.

All we can do is to stay strong and help each other for the right attitude and mutual understanding. Stay in touch for the update soon.