Suharit works up a sweat, makes life easier for cyclists

“I’ve been biking seriously for a year and I’ve lost 12 kilos,” he posted on Facebook, sounding very serious indeed. Then came the punch line. “So if I keep it up for another decade, will I end up weighing 9 kilos?” 

Back to serious. Cycling to work has shown Suharit just how tricky it is biking in Bangkok. The city fathers are gradually removing the obstacle course, but they can’t do anything about the weather, and it’s a lot hotter here than it is in bicycle-friendly Europe. So what did Suharit do? He’s established a bathroom for cyclists, complete with a shower, at his private firm, DHA Siamwala Co on Surawong Road. If you arrive on two wheels you’re allowed to use it free of charge. 

Suharit apologises that a separate bathroom for women isn’t ready yet, but in the meantime some of his patrons thus far have thanked him on Facebook for the facilities. 

Do pop round for a freshen-up, because if you happen to bump into Suharit, he’s apt to be generous. “If I’m in a good mood, I might give you a souvenir,” he says. We’re thinking maybe a CD, since he works as a DJ too.

 

 

Rice for the nice

 

Actor Trisdee “Por” Sahawong always receives a warm welcome when he goes home to Buri Ram. His neighbours love him dearly because of his kindness. He lets farmers grow rice free of charge on the 200 rai he owns there. “I don’t want them to think they owe me anything,” Por says. “I don’t want to say how much land I let them use, but the thing is that the land would literally be useless otherwise, and sharing it with them makes me happy.”

He might not be charging the farmers rent, but he’s still getting a good deal. “They give me some of the rice they harvest, so that’s almost like rent!” 

The farmers also take good care of the land. Por adheres to His Majesty the King’s sound advice about sustainable agriculture, such as conserving water. Por has established a small reservoir on the property that provides ample water for the farmers. 

He plans to buy more land, but for now wants to improve the soil quality on the parcel he already owns. “I plan to have organic rice grown there in the future, but I want it to be genuinely organic. Previous owners have used pesticides over a long period and they stay in the soil, so I need time to clean that out.” 

Por says he’d been thinking more about his rice field lately because his dad is now retired and he might want to get active there. “He’s worked in the fields before and is very healthy – he hardly ever gets sick. He’s happy and never feels lonely.”