The Yellow Shirt Brigade

[chickin]

sock puppets

[terry57]

Yellow on mondays for sure. Thai(s) appreciate our respect for the royals. I even wear I love the king rubber bracelet.

i also wear the yellow bracelet inscribed in thai script.

people in perth often ask me what it means and i tell them the story of the kings 60 years on the throne

and his birthday this year.

they love it.

[Mid]

Excellent OP, Terry. Showing respect for HM the King and also for the Thai people and culture can never be wrong. What's the blue on Friday, Mid?

same deal for Her Majesty

[GuestHouse]

Since it is possible to be respectful to Thai culture/Monarch and People without dressing like a Banana, I'll forgo the yellow.

It's not a color that suits me and I have no need to seek the nodding approval of passing strangers.

[britmaveric]

Terry - funny in farang land - they see "long live the king" they say : didnt know you like Elvis that much.

[terry57]

I too am of the opinion to not wear a yellow shirt on Mondays. I did however wear my Yellow shirt on the King's birthday out of respect as I do admire and respect the King greatly.

I feel rather uncomfortable about it as seeing that I am not Thai and never will be Thai. Almost as if intruding on the Thai's and their culture. I have discussed with Thai's and Falangs alike and the response from most of Thai's it that it would be alright, I would suspect that it would be impolite to suggest otherwise.

Most of the Falangs I discussed the issue with that do wear the yellow shirt say that the Thai's generally appreciate the gesture.

LL

why do you feel you have to be thai to show respect to the king?

[ColPyat]

ive never thought that i could be viewed as a farang looser until i read some of the posts on this forum.

in conclusion i would like to know what the general consensus is on this issue.

but i got to tell you punters, if you give me a good kicking im still going to wear my yellow shirt on mondays.

bring it on people.

Well, i try to be within the forum rules. You won't be able to get any educated oponions expressing any opposition to the yellow shirts, due to the legal situation and forum rules.

The only thing i can say, to be on the safe side, is that behind the yellow shirts is a far wider and more complex socio-political issue than you can imagine, and very explosive. If you want to get a basic understanding that goes beyond the mainstream interpretitions you will have to go into debates led exlusively in the academic world, which is also the only area where debate on that matter is reluctantly permitted to some extend.

There are also regional differences between acceptance of the yellow shirts, and there are regions in which you find less acceptance than in others. Unfortunately forum rules do not permit me going any deeper into this.

Basically, before wearing outward signs of a cause that one does not fully understand, one should make the effort of understanding them. And in case of the yellow shirts - you will then have to go through extensive literature that is not widely available outside the academic world.

And in simple terms - not all Thais will feel sympathy towards a Farang (or fellow Thais) wearing that yellow shirt. This definately is a minority, but one would do well trying to listen to their reasons before jumping on a cause one does not fully understand.

[terry57]

sock puppets

whats that mean my old china?

[Jingthing]

Terry - funny in farang land - they see "long live the king" they say : didnt know you like Elvis that much.

As well they might!

Elvis: Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog

The King: The Story of Tongdaeng (his famous street dog pet)

Edited February 9, 2007 by Jingthing

[GuestHouse]

Of course the thing is Copycat, anyone who had spent 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand' would already understand the complexity of the issues.

But anyway, we have a topic with a limited debate, so Hey Ho!

[terry57]

Since it is possible to be respectful to Thai culture/Monarch and People without dressing like a Banana, I'll forgo the yellow.

It's not a color that suits me and I have no need to seek the nodding approval of passing strangers.

exactly the answer i'd expect from you guesthouse. your so incredibly consistant.

[GuestHouse]

exactly the answer i'd expect from you guesthouse. your so incredibly consistant

Of course I am Terry, it comes of not making things up.

[ColPyat]

Of course the thing is Copycat, anyone who had spent 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand' would already understand the complexity of the issues.

But anyway, we have a topic with a limited debate, so Hey Ho!

Well, unfortunately the attempt of understanding complex issues is for most foreigners directly in the way of having fun in Thailand.

[lannarebirth]

Of course the thing is Copycat, anyone who had spent 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand' would already understand the complexity of the issues.

But anyway, we have a topic with a limited debate, so Hey Ho!

Not that complex IMO. Trying to turn the clock back 75 years by turning perception into reality. I can still respect the man for his public deeds.

[Ulysses G.]

I don't wear a yellow shirt on Monday, but I see nothing wrong with it.

Some of us have been here for a long time and have done a lot of reading and studying about our adopted home and have some idea of what the King has done for his people and his country and what he has been through personally. In many ways, it has not been easy for him.

We might have a different culture, but many of us genuinely love and respect him in our Western way.

On top of that, there is our appreciation for what Thailand is today and the very real fear of what Thailand will be like when he is no longer with us.

[ColPyat]

Not that complex IMO. Trying to turn the clock back 75 years by turning perception into reality. I can still respect the man for his public deeds.

And the only thing i can answer you on this is reading up on books and papers with more extensive interpretitions of events than you get in the mainstream.

[terry57]

ive never thought that i could be viewed as a farang looser until i read some of the posts on this forum.

in conclusion i would like to know what the general consensus is on this issue.

but i got to tell you punters, if you give me a good kicking im still going to wear my yellow shirt on mondays.

bring it on people.

Well, i try to be within the forum rules. You won't be able to get any educated oponions expressing any opposition to the yellow shirts, due to the legal situation and forum rules.

The only thing i can say, to be on the safe side, is that behind the yellow shirts is a far wider and more complex socio-political issue than you can imagine, and very explosive. If you want to get a basic understanding that goes beyond the mainstream interpretitions you will have to go into debates led exlusively in the academic world, which is also the only area where debate on that matter is reluctantly permitted to some extend.

There are also regional differences between acceptance of the yellow shirts, and there are regions in which you find less acceptance than in others. Unfortunately forum rules do not permit me going any deeper into this.

Basically, before wearing outward signs of a cause that one does not fully understand, one should make the effort of understanding them. And in case of the yellow shirts - you will then have to go through extensive literature that is not widely available outside the academic world.

And in simple terms - not all Thais will feel sympathy towards a Farang (or fellow Thais) wearing that yellow shirt. This definately is a minority, but one would do well trying to listen to their reasons before jumping on a cause one does not fully understand.

very complicated issues you raise there colypat.

do you feel that the majority of thais think that a farang is trying to do the right thing in showing respect for the king without going to deep into the issues you have raised.

i think the majority of thais do like to see us farangs make this small gesture.

[terry57]

Of course the thing is Copycat, anyone who had spent 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand' would already understand the complexity of the issues.

But anyway, we have a topic with a limited debate, so Hey Ho!

its not rocket science guesthouse, and its all about trying to show solidarity with the thais and are you suggesting the thais all wear there yellow shirts for some sinister reason.

your post is confusing and you need to make yourself a bit more clearer.

its not a points scoring session but a very basic question.

[ColPyat]

very complicated issues you raise there colypat.

do you feel that the majority of thais think that a farang is trying to do the right thing in showing respect for the king without going to deep into the issues you have raised.

i think the majority of thais do like to see us farangs make this small gesture.

Personally, i do not ever spend much thought on what the majority might feel about me. I don't follow the mainstream just because it is the most convenient thing to do, i prefer to understand issues before making a judgement either way.

And in terms of the yellow shirts, it is not just a little thing of showing respect, because - directly attached to this is a multitude of highly complex issues one should at least make an attempt of understanding and researching.

Edited February 9, 2007 by ColPyat

[terry57]

Of course the thing is Copycat, anyone who had spent 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand' would already understand the complexity of the issues.

But anyway, we have a topic with a limited debate, so Hey Ho!

Well, unfortunately the attempt of understanding complex issues is for most foreigners directly in the way of having fun in Thailand.

what is so incredibly complex about wearing a yellow shirt on mondays and the majority of farang that wear it have the same idea that i have.

anyway thats why im asking the question, so im all ears and open to your learned opinion.

[GuestHouse]

very complicated issues you raise there colypat.

do you feel that the majority of Thais think that a farang is trying to do the right thing in showing respect for the king without going to deep into the issues you have raised.

i think the majority of Thais do like to see us farangs make this small gesture.

My personal opinion is that it is far better to neither offer a comment on your views (no matter how gushing they may be) or to invite the question 'What are your views'.

In Thailand, on things Royal I prefer to be silent, pressed I might remark how impressed I am with the affection and loyalties Thais have for their monarch, but I'd rather not give or invite any further discussion.

Better, I think, to take the stance of a foreigner who marvels but accepts he cannot possibly understand.

Wearing a yellow (I love the King) shirt in Thailand, I feel, is not only as statement of respect but an invite to get into a converstation that might not go the way you want it to.

----

My discussions with Thais outside of Thailand are a completely different matter.

[terry57]

very complicated issues you raise there colypat.

do you feel that the majority of thais think that a farang is trying to do the right thing in showing respect for the king without going to deep into the issues you have raised.

i think the majority of thais do like to see us farangs make this small gesture.

Personally, i do not ever spend much thought on what the majority might feel about me. I don't follow the mainstream just because it is the most convenient thing to do, i prefer to understand issues before making a judgement either way.

And in terms of the yellow shirts, it is not just a little thing of showing respect, because - directly attached to this is a multitude of highly complex issues one should at least make an attempt of understanding and researching.

i was under the opinion that the shirt is worn because the king was born on mondays?

i would be very willing to research the issue further if you could point me in the right direction.

[ColPyat]

what is so incredibly complex about wearing a yellow shirt on mondays and the majority of farang that wear it have the same idea that i have.

anyway thats why im asking the question, so im all ears and open to your learned opinion.

As much as i would like to - i cannot give you any more answers on that issue than i already have without steering the thread into forbidden territory. Any discussion on monarchy is not allowed by forum rules, and wisely so, given the legal situation and emotions attached to this.

I can only say that if you are interested in this subject - go and research academic libraries. There is more available and regularly published on this subject than commonly known.

[terry57]

very complicated issues you raise there colypat.

do you feel that the majority of Thais think that a farang is trying to do the right thing in showing respect for the king without going to deep into the issues you have raised.

i think the majority of Thais do like to see us farangs make this small gesture.

My personal opinion is that it is far better to neither offer a comment on your views (no matter how gushing they may be) or to invite the question 'What are your views'.

In Thailand, on things Royal I prefer to be silent, pressed I might remark how impressed I am with the affection and loyalties Thais have for their monarch, but I'd rather not give or invite any further discussion.

Better, I think, to take the stance of a foreigner who marvels but accepts he cannot possibly understand.

Wearing a yellow (I love the King) shirt in Thailand, I feel, is not only as statement of respect but an invite to get into a converstation that might not go the way you want it to.

----

My discussions with Thais outside of Thailand are a completely different matter.

thanks for your opinion guesthouse.

[GuestHouse]

thanks for your opinion guesthouse.

I bow to your superior knowledge on this Terry, after all I don't pretend to have spent a 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand'.

It is perhaps through the confidence of your 'Considerable Amount of time in Thailand' that you are able to dismiss all other opinions even after having invited to hear them.

Edited February 9, 2007 by GuestHouse

[macb]

Well I would wear the colours as well: But They dont stock my size any where ib Burrriram

[raybkk]

ok punters,

im going to open myself up to a good slagging off here but thats perfectly ok by me as im ready for it.

i was reading a thread on the forum where some posters were giving farangs that were the yellow shirt on mondays a good kicking.

i'll tell you all why i wear the yellow shirt on mondays and i would like to hear some feed back from the thais on this forum or from farang's that have thai wives and what there wives think about this issue.

as you all know, ive been comming to los for 20 years and respect thai people, thai culture and the royalty in particular.

i love to see the thais wearing there yellow shirts on monday, as the respect it shows for the royal family impresses me no end and no western royal family seems to come near this level of respect.

i have always been under the impression that for myself to wear the yellow shirt is showing that i also respect the royalty and traditions of los.

i feel good wearing the colours on mondays and many thai people have complemented me on my appearance and i have always felt i was doing the right thing.

im a decent looking guy and make sure im dressed ok on a monday so i cant be accused of being a farang looser taking the piss.

ive never thought that i could be viewed as a farang looser until i read some of the posts on this forum.

in conclusion i would like to know what the general consensus is on this issue.

but i got to tell you punters, if you give me a good kicking im still going to wear my yellow shirt on mondays.

bring it on people.

Well, the government employees where told to wear yellow for a year. Not asked! For employees in the private sector its a different story.

Most of the thai staff I work with don't wear it unless they forgot to iron a decent shirt due to the company party the night before.

As far as your question; yes I do find it silly seeing a foreigner wearing a yellow polo shirt on monday's. Especially if combined with shorts and open shoes. What kind of respect is that?!?

[The Dan Sai Kid]

Monday - wear a shirt, tie and dress trousers

or

Monday - King's shirt and dress jeans (that nobody knows are not trousers)

not really a competition

thought I would get that in before this thread is shut!

[terry57]

thanks for your opinion guesthouse.

I bow to your superior knowledge on this Terry, after all I don't pretend to have spent a 'Considerable Amount of Time in Thailand'.

It is perhaps through the confidence of your 'Considerable Amount of time in Thailand' that you are able to dismiss all other opinions even after having invited to hear them.

yes and thanks very much guesthouse.

sorry mate, but you give me an incredible amount of belly laughs and your humour is legendary .

anyway can we get back to my question.?

thanks mate

[terry57]

ok punters,

im going to open myself up to a good slagging off here but thats perfectly ok by me as im ready for it.

i was reading a thread on the forum where some posters were giving farangs that were the yellow shirt on mondays a good kicking.

i'll tell you all why i wear the yellow shirt on mondays and i would like to hear some feed back from the thais on this forum or from farang's that have thai wives and what there wives think about this issue.

as you all know, ive been comming to los for 20 years and respect thai people, thai culture and the royalty in particular.

i love to see the thais wearing there yellow shirts on monday, as the respect it shows for the royal family impresses me no end and no western royal family seems to come near this level of respect.

i have always been under the impression that for myself to wear the yellow shirt is showing that i also respect the royalty and traditions of los.

i feel good wearing the colours on mondays and many thai people have complemented me on my appearance and i have always felt i was doing the right thing.

im a decent looking guy and make sure im dressed ok on a monday so i cant be accused of being a farang looser taking the piss.

ive never thought that i could be viewed as a farang looser until i read some of the posts on this forum.

in conclusion i would like to know what the general consensus is on this issue.

but i got to tell you punters, if you give me a good kicking im still going to wear my yellow shirt on mondays.

bring it on people.

Well, the government employees where told to wear yellow for a year. Not asked! For employees in the private sector its a different story.

Most of the thai staff I work with don't wear it unless they forgot to iron a decent shirt due to the company party the night before.

As far as your question; yes I do find it silly seeing a foreigner wearing a yellow polo shirt on monday's. Especially if combined with shorts and open shoes. What kind of respect is that?!?

cricky's mate,

im an aussie and dont do that.