Dark Sides of Thai Socio-culture
(This text has been copied from two newgroup postings with the permission of the authors. I found it a devastating illustration of the depth of Thailand's modern political problems).
What a band of idiots! Talk about "money politics."
Excuse me, but has there been anything but a "band of idiots" and "money politics" in Thailand over the past 50 years or so? Or I should say that Thailand has been ruled by an oligarchy of assholes who were not idiots but were very calculating in their ability to rape the country while hiding behind the guise of loyalty to the throne and false concepts of democracy and development. The same people guaranteed a subject population unable to see the truth by providing the masses with a substandard education system.
J
Dear Khun J,
I enjoy reading your postings very much. You are not afraid to highlight the ugly facts about Thailand. I agree with you that money politics has been around for a very long time. I also agree with you that education in Thailand is substandard. However, just as I don't think the people in power possess the ability to save the country's economy even if they wanted to, I don't think that Thai education is substandard because the politicians made it so. In part, Thai education is substandard because nothing has been done to improve and update it.
I also do not believe that Thais are unable to see the truth. I think they just don't want to and like ostriches which bury their heads in sand, these people drown themselves in whisky. In part, all this apathy and inefficiency are due to the Thai characteristic or habit of placing presentation before substance.
Let me give you an example. I know a middle-aged Thai lady who lives alone. One day, her niece visited her. She introduced us and was full of praises for her niece. She almost went as far as to say that her niece was the best girl in the kingdom. Later, after meeting up with her niece's former employer, I realised that this teenage girl was a thief and a heroin addict. The old lady knew all about it and until a few days ago, was still complaining her to the neighbours. But after she visited and brought a pair of new shoes for the old lady, her attitude changed completely. Not only did she not question her niece on the source of the money, she has deliberately shut her mind from her misdeeds.
Such an attitude doesn't always have to do with education. I think this is what makes vote-buying so successful. On the other hand, I have seen some very well-behaved people being unfairly criticised just because they dress sloppily and don't bother to use too much "krup" or "ka".
Presentation over substance. This is one aspect of Thai society that must change even before educational reforms.
- R
Cybercafes in Thailand and SE Asia
Thai Ways (endeavours to positively influence common notions about Thailand, its culture, and its people by providing unbiased information. Thai Ways serves a commercial purpose as well).
Universal Translator - Thai Language
Thai Students Around the World with Webpages
Thai Ladies (small commercial matchmaking site)
Thailand-related links on the Net
Commercial Hotel Directory of Thailand
Back to Thailand Page
Back to Home