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I refer to the letter Use VMY 2007 to groom our competitiveness . I am a Filipino now residing in Bangkok for the last two years with my Malaysian husband. I used to live and work in Kuala Lumpur from 1985 to 2005, and so I've seen the changes in KL. On the physical layout of KL, it has greatly grown into a beautiful city, but sadly, it's the attitude of many locals that I've experienced with or met, that has declined.

Since moving to Bangkok, I've had so many refreshing experiences that I have never experienced in KL, except when with good friends.

Where we live, here in Bangkok, I can walk outside of our apartment which is opposite of a construction site, without being 'mauled' by hideous whistles. The stall owners are always smiling and never fail to greet me in the morning, afternoon or evening whenever I pass them.

In KL, try to look at a total stranger and they either stare at you suspiciously or walk away from you ... no way will they smile. Here, you can look at a person on the street and they will smile back!

On public transport, the people are so helpful. Every time I take a 'tuk-tuk' to go back to our apartment, the driver always takes the time to come with you to your house and carry all your shopping bags! Okay, maybe once in a while, you'll get a taxi driver here who won't use the taxi meter but when you just smile at them and tell them, 'Sorry, I only pay 50 baht to my usual destination', they will adhere to it and take you there without complaint.

In any store, whether a it's a branded goods store or designer boutique or a 'pasar malam'-type stall, they all treat you with respect. There's no condescending treatment given. If they are busy and you need their attention, they will tell you politely, 'Please wait a moment, madam./sir'.

A little courtesy is all we need as potential customers to make us come back for more. I really don't even want to go back to KL to live there, because it's just sooo friendly here in Bangkok. I have so much more to say, but that can be written another time. With this, I trust that you will take it as a feedback and not as an insult.

We'll only visit KL to see our parents and siblings who have retired there and to see our very good Malaysian friends. Good luck to your Visit Malaysia 2007.

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