richard_smith237

and this is one strong argument for banning it completely. teachers can go way too far and abuse this power. Corporal punishment is officially prohibited in Thai schools under the Ministry of Education Regulation on Student Punishment, enacted in 2005. Of course - still happens - especially among underprivileged children whose parents lack the socio-economic power to challenge or resist it and the directors of the schools attempt to 'brush the issues under the carpet' until social media gets hold of the issue. ... And according to one poster [Some of the richest, most affluent schools in the country kick buckets out of kids and with the parent's blessing in advance.].... first hand experience apparently... of a very well known 'Top Private Thai School'... ..... This Poster has managed to PM me, but still not with the name of the school - but 'wants to meet up' because I called out his comments that this happens to children of wealthy and connected parents as BS and he think's I've abused him !!!! .... Hardly quality teacher material if he can't even hold his patience on an anonymous web-forum and has to resort to thinly veiled threats....

I completely agree. In areas with heavy tourist traffic – or more accurately, a high volume of short-term tourist rentals – the police often take advantage of the situation, targeting easy pickings and fleecing tourists. Of course, some will argue that it’s the tourists’ own fault for not having the proper licences or for failing to wear helmets, and technically, they’re right. But that entirely misses the broader point. The real issue lies in the inconsistency of enforcement. The laws themselves are perfectly adequate, but they’re applied sporadically, often not at all. When action is taken, it’s typically for show – a brief, performative crackdown aimed at generating a media headline rather than bringing about lasting change. For any meaningful improvement, enforcement needs to be national, consistent, and year-round. Unfortunately, that seems like far too much effort for a system led by people who simply don’t take these issues seriously enough.

"Goa is not India" – or so the Goans will often say. There's a strong local sentiment that sets them apart from the rest of the country, and it’s not uncommon to hear Goans speak critically, even mockingly, of the behaviour of Indian tourists who visit their state. That said, I’ve personally found Goans to be, for lack of a better term, a step above – more easy-going, open-minded, and socially attuned – than the average Indian from elsewhere. Whether that’s a fair comparison or not is up for debate, but the cultural difference is certainly noticeable.

I believe that could be said of any nationality when encountered in large groups. What you're highlighting, I think, is less about racism and could more accurately be described as 'groupism' and the tendency to judge individuals based on perceived traits of the collective... When we observe a large group of any nationality, it's often the worst-behaved, the loudest, or the most obnoxious who capture our attention. Sadly, this leads to sweeping generalisations, where an entire group is unfairly judged by the actions of a few - we see it with negative comments on here about Russians, Israeli's, Brits, Chinese, Aussies, Americans etc etc... On a personal level, however, I've found Indians among the most easily likeable people I've met. Working alongside Indian colleagues has added another dimension to my view. At peer level, I've found them exceptional – intelligent, collaborative, and driven. But within hierarchies, there's a noticeable harshness towards those perceived as lower on the professional or social ladder, particularly when caste considerations come into play. Working for Indian-led teams can be challenging; in one case, I had to walk away from a project due to dangerously unrealistic expectations and pace, which created serious safety concerns. You mentioned you wouldn't go to a restaurant that was full of Indians - I think thats fair enough, I'd avoid a restaurant that was obviously fully of any single nationality - primarily because its more likely to just be a lot louder and chaotic more than anything else... I like places most when there is a large mix...

I'm genuinely interested... As if this place is as 'good as he says it is' then I have close friends who's children attend... ... but I just can't see it. I think he (barnet) may be referring to Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School where in 2020 a teacher was filmed hitting a child and placing a bag over their head... But, thats a mid-tier Thai (and bilingual) school, hardly anything close to 'affluent' etc.. . The information presented is accurate for pre-2000's.... I know lots of people who went to the high end Government Schools such as Triam etc... they are not sending their children to the same schools - every single Wealthy, Affluent, Connected etc yadda yadda yadda Thai person I know is getting their kids into the International Schools... ... There maybe some overlap of those who send their kids to Ruamrudee and St Gabriel's and such schools.... but those parents are less informed... those schools are far from 'high end' these days... (from both the perspective of quality and reputation)...

Mostly out of date - With the exception of Dentistry, Medicine, Music... However, with those pursuing dentistry and medicine, its now very common to study overseas and then complete the 1 year access courses (MCQ, OSCE).... Music - usually, students may aim to switch to Mahidol. The vast Majority if Thai's who can afford it (you used the term affluent) send their kids to overseas universities... The networking now takes on 'alternative means'... i.e. Secondary education ages... and Uni's popularised by Thai students... (i.e. Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, & Ivy Leagues: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia...Stanford & MIT, University of California, Berkeley / UCLA / USC... And also Melbourne to some extent)... ... but Primarily: LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, USC.... Your information is just out of date, thats all - you may now be out of a loop that has since evolved significantly over the past 20 years...

He could name the area... i.e. A well known School near Soi 6 Ramhamhaeng... But.. he's put his neck on the line by claiming Wealthy Thai's are knowingly accepting that teachers are kicking buckets out of their kids as a matter of school policy... He's claimed this happens in the Most Affluent Schools in Thailand (but not in Interntionationl Schools), Military Schools are omitted as this is not part of the discussion.. then he can be quoted as stating below: not a Government School, and then stating a Thai Schools....

Chill out on the snowflakery... I thought it was all affluent schools... So its one and you wont name it or PM it. Name one - you've been asked my multiple people - you are making general claims... now its high end Thai schools where the kids are getting the 'bucket kicked out of them by the teachers as a matter of policy and with full knowledge of the parents'... OK - got it... (more BS). Name it... (PM)... If you mean Ruamrudee School (its an international school) that used to be one of the best and most famous and is now out of favour for lack of teaching standards. PM = Private Message... how hard is it to simply back up your claims... PM me this 'highlighy affluent school where the wealthiest Thai's send their children with the knowledge they'll be beaten by the teachers as a matter of policy"... Its a small network... of course, I don't know where they 'all go'... I know where 'most go'... its the international schools I named in Bangkok or overseas boarding schools. Name the school... PM me. You and I might have a very different idea of 'high end'... The PM doesn't send her kids to the school you worked at, neither do the owners of the major Mall Groups etc... Housing estate companies and major businesses players, known businesses.... because they send their kids to Harrow, Patana, Shrewbury, NIST, ISB, Prep... or overseas boarding. You don't even have the 'gravitas' (laughable) to back up your comments with a simple PM - sorry, private message (not sure you know what PM means after so many requests). A narrowed down statement... Which is it now... Thai Government Schools or is it 'not' a government school (as higlighted in bold above - you are contradicting yourself now). This is easily ironed out by naming the school... or, if you don't wish to name the school, PM it, or just name a location.

What did the man's skin color have to do with his (lack of suitable) attire? Nothing...... neither would his age, gender, height etc... .... But if the Op had written an "Old, hairy, lanky Western man" would you have still pee'd your pants a little at the opportunity to cry moral outrage and racism from atop your rickety soapbox?..... Or is outrage only fashionable when the target ticks your approved victim boxes? The OP used a descriptor. A word. To set a scene. That’s it. But of course, nuance isn’t exactly the strong suit of the perpetually offended. Now... you can mince back whatever exhausting virtue-signalling hobby you lot are peddling this week – bra-burning, book-banning, or rewriting history with crayons. The rest of us will be over here, in the real world, not tripping over ourselves to be offended by adjectives.

Imagine everyone doing that thought !!!... ... After a bad sports injury, I was on crutches but had airport wheel chair assistance..... Hated it. With a badly injured leg... and clueless crowds, drifting around like lobotomised sheep I was a dash 'edgy'... gripping my crutches a jousting lance, in case anyone wandered too close. Thankfully, I never had to strike – but I was ready.... But, it didn't really make anything other than 'check-in' any faster... Anyway - 1.5 hrs is more than enough time - nothing to worry about. Its up to the Airline to ensure you 'can' transit in time, and their responsibility if you can't... The security checks at the Middle East Airports (Dubai / Abu Dhabi / Doha) are lightening quick compared to the UK a few years back... and now that many airports are upgrading their scanning systems, there is no need to take anything out of our carry on baggage which means the checks are much much quicker. ... The UK is now 10x better than it was two years ago now that it has the better CT scanners at many of its airports.

Emirates do the same... (or used to)... Its not an individual Airline Policy to sell more drinks... These are Enhanced / Secondary Security checks are mandated by the Australian Government to bolster aviation security for all flights entering Australia (as an example) - checks are concentrated on Liquid and Electronics screening - they'll exist at entry to the 'gate' on flights from specific points of origin.

No... Your response wasn't that... Your response was this: I call BS on that statement... The richest, most affluent schools in the country... and then you exclude 'actual rich and affluent schools' (Int'l schools) and restrict to Thai Government schools... OK, we'll go with that. But, the Affluent, Wealthy and Powerful Thai's 'generally' do not send their Kids to Thai schools - they send them overseas or to International Schools, perhaps very small minority may send their kids to a Thai Government School... but even the best Schools in Thailand such as Triam Udom Suksa no longer have the the 'draw' they once had, far from it... ...Think of any well known, local and major business, famous family names in thailand, CP Group etc, Central Group, Mall Group etc.. Politicians and the Prime-minister's daughter - their kids are at International Schools or Boarding overseas.... (*these are the families who would previously send their kids to Triam Udom Suksa or Mahidol Wittayanusorn... but times have very much changed). I'm not denying physical punishment occurs in 'Thai Government Schools throughout thailand - I am calling BS on your statement that it occurs in the most affluent schools as a policy accepted by Wealthy, Affluent and Powerful families, ... Wealthy, Powerful, Affluent families will not tolerate their children 'having buckets kicked out of them' by any teacher.... in any school... particularly as a matter of policy... (which is also against the law). No, you haven't stated it... you are refusing to state it... PM me the school - we may find that its not quite as 'affluent' as you are making out and the students who 'have buckets kicked out of them' by teachers are not from Wealthy, powerful or affluent families... The teachers wouldn't dare.

Paranoid rubbish.... Its a security check and has nothing to do with airlines profiting from you by making you buy water from them... thats hillarious.

Yes... Plenty - it also depends on the destination... i.e. Some destinations require an additional security check prior to boarding (i.e. at the gate, after duty free etc).

I think the answer to your query has to do with 'more than just the routing you took through the airport'... i.e. there could be other 'transit passengers coming in from other terminals which have no 'arriving security' i.e. the FlyDubai Terminal 2 etc...

Its getting a little better and most of the helmets I see offer some nominal protection, which at the speeds were talking about could be the difference between a 'brain injury'... and not... i.e. those index helmets etc. BUT - the plastic Big-C things... Nope, they're useless... Any passenger has an option just to say no, they want a proper helmet and I think thats fair enough.

If I used a flagfall taxi from my apartment to the office, it would have been a 15-30 minute ride, depending on the light at Sukhumvit. I tried it. Scooter taxis got me there in about 2 minutes, because they could make a wonky turn that a car can't. I also tried walking, but that was even dodgier because there's no sidewalk for half of the 1km route. Agree on walking... Its really a 'no goer' if you don't want to end up drenched in sweat. Additionally, if only going 2 mins on a back-street, then the likelihood of coming a cropper is minimal... But assuming a 2mins in each direction and a 260 day's a year of trave - over the year you are on the bike for approximately 17-18 hours... IF You went on 30min motorcycle trip you'd want a helmet, no ??? I do understand why some might 'want' to use a bike.. especially in rush-hour / gridlocked traffic, and to be fair, the speeds in such traffic are usually extremely low, even on a motorcycle so the risk in these contexts is over-egged. BUT - the point I've been making is... making a conscious choice not use the 'borrowed lid' because you're worried about nits, just seems a little daft.... ... A western friend (female) refused to wear the helmet because it messes her hair - I think thats extremely stupid. ------- On the nits thing... has anyone you know ever caught anything ?... has it even ever been reported on here etc ? I think you may have vastly exaggerated the risk of getting something from a helmet, vs vastly exaggerated the risk of falling off and smacking your noggin.... .... BUT - there is still a simple solution as yet unmentioned... When I try on Motorcycle helmets etc, I'm given this hairnet type thing (surgical hair cover)... why not use these to wear with the borrowed helmet. ... Of course, its your life, your choice... but is it just your life ??? you are the breadwinner ? how much of a burden could you become when using a bike without a helmet ? ... (and taking this a step further, I think about this when riding my own motorcycle - which hardly ever reaches a main road these days because of such reasons / and I also have the convenience of a car)

Fair enough - however, your quote: [Some of the richest, most affluent schools in the country kick buckets out of kids and with the parent's blessing in advance.] Now you want to ignore certain types of schools... So... which "richest, most affluent schools" Thai state schools (not International, not military, not private) beat the school children as a matter of policy ? My argument remains: That the type of school which beats children is most certainly not a 'well regarded school' rather it is one where poor children attend. I know a lot of wealthy Thai parents from affluent backgrounds who send their children to top-tier schools - they are most certainly not the types to sit back and tolerate their child getting hit at school, not at all. Thus: I'm still wondering where this sweeping generalisation comes from that "Some of the richest, most affluent schools in the country kick buckets out of kids and with the parent's blessing in advance"... Which school - I've not seen you name the school - feel free to PM me. & Rich families do not send their kids to Thai schools... 'as generalisations stand' they send them to the top tier international schools...

& also something at least semi-protective & not the cheap plastic Big-C ones… But, in reality, the only time I’m not driving myself or riding myself is when I’m drinking & then I’m in no such rush to want to use a moto-taxi in the first place….

You’re still struggling with this one I see… … exactly how many head impacts have there been ? …. use a flagfall taxi, GRAB, BOLT, InDrive, a songthaew, a TukTuk…

It’s ok - you’re living proof that for some a serious brain injury would make little difference !!!

Agreed, when it comes to Thai state schools, physical punishment remains far more prevalent than it should be. It's a recurring theme in local news, sadly. That said, these reports typically involve rural or neighbourhood schools, where families tend to be less affluent and hold little social influence. However, I still challenge Barnet1900’s claim that such practices are prevalent in the country’s elite institutions. In the most prestigious, affluent schools, any teacher caught resorting to physical discipline would likely be dismissed immediately. His assertion seems rather naïve — unless, of course, he's referring to military academies, which are a different matter altogether.

Of course not. You obviously know this for a fact......or do you? ... the wealthiest schools in Thailand, those that the Wealthiest of Thai's send their Children to are certainly not schools where the teachers would beat a child... I know this for a fact because I have first hand knowledge.

That myth of 'dressing up for an upgrade' passed decades ago... it doesn't work. I've had lots of upgrades... no rhyme or reason... Eco to Business, Business, to First.. Whether I'm bottom FF tier, Silver or Gold... I've never noticed a pattern... I thought being Gold FF tier on so many rammed flights that were clearly oversold would get me an upgrade and that pattern would makes sense, but nope... I've even been told by the check-in counter... flights overbooked, and upgrade at the gate is very likely !!!... and I wasn't !!!... I don't really care - I can sit there for 6 hours and have a lay over (hate flying longer than that) - and find Eco or business equally as boring... At least its better if I'm not sat near or next to a pig, and thats what this thread is about... ... having the common decency to behave and dress within reasonable levels so as not to discomfort others.

Richest and most affluent ?? I dont think so.. - October 2018 at Ban Dong School in Dok Kham Tai district, Phayao province. students were filmed physically assaulting a younger, autistic primary school girl. - December 2024, Sisaket province, a female high school student was violently assaulted by her classmates in a classroom, viral video showe the victim being kicked, slapped, and forced to kneel and bow to her aggressors. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/high-school-female-student-physically-assaulted-in-sisaket These are not rich and affluent schools - they're regular state schools, but yes, violence is an issue as 'those' schools - but not the top tier 'affluent and richest' schools... (where theoretically you mean the wealthy and affluent send their kids to)... but they don't send their kids to these schools.