Thailand To Prepare Racism Report For United Nations

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

What a joke. No racism in Thailand? Apparently the government didn't bother reading the convention they agreed to. Different minimum salaries for different nationalities is racism according to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Never mind. This is Thailand.

From the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Article I

1. In this Convention, the term "racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

Article 2

1. States Parties condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms and promoting understanding among all races, and, to this end:

(a)

Each State Party undertakes to engage in no act or practice of racial discrimination against persons, groups of persons or institutions and to

ensure that all public authorities and public institutions, national and local, shall act in conformity with this obligation;

(

Each State Party undertakes not to sponsor, defend or support racial discrimination by any persons or organizations;

© Each State Party shall take effective measures to review governmental, national and local policies, and to amend, rescind or nullify any laws and regulations which have the effect of creating or perpetuating racial discrimination wherever it exists;

(d) Each State Party shall prohibit and bring to an end, by all appropriate means, including legislation as required by circumstances, racial discrimination by any persons, group or organization;

(e) Each State Party undertakes to encourage, where appropriate, integrationist multiracial organizations and movements and other means of eliminating barriers between races, and to discourage anything which tends to strengthen racial division.

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/d_icerd.htm

From today's Bangkok Post

Thailand prepares first report on racial discrimination

BHANRAVEE TANSUBHAPOL

Thailand is preparing its first country report on racial discrimination, to be presented to the United Nations next year, Justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul said yesterday. The report will be made under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Mr Jarun expressed confidence that the country has no problems related to racial discrimination, saying Thailand would be in the forefront of giving and protecting racial equality.

Thailand has been a party to the convention since January 2003 but has never sent a country report on its situation, problems and ways to eliminate racial discrimination to the world body.

Mr Jarun said a report drafting committee should straightforwardly present facts and information and propose practical measures in dealing with the issue. The committee, chaired by a representative of the Justice Ministry, comprises officials from various state agencies.

<snip>

The rest of the article can be read at http://bangkokpost.com/News/19Apr2007_news10.php

Edited April 19, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican
To avoid copyright violation, some paragraphs from the Bangkok Post publication have been deleted.

[mrt273nva]

He said that while Thailand may have a problem in dealing with alien workers, hilltribes and unrest in the South, it is not a case of racial discrimination and any state actions have been in line with international standards.

http://bangkokpost.com/News/19Apr2007_news10.php

they may also have a problem with Isaan, farang, darker skinned people than themselves (the list could go on and is extensive.)

i think what this guy is trying to say is that they aren't racist they discriminate against everyone equaly.

[DrFisher]

Maybe we should show this report to the USA and they can start paying woman, foreigners and minorities the same wages???

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Maybe we should show this report to the USA and they can start paying woman, foreigners and minorities the same wages???

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy. The US has the EEOC and while it has been weakened under GWB it still serves to punish those who violate the US Civil Rights Act. SEE: http://www.eeoc.gov.

Recent EEOC Press Releases:

EEOC SETTLES SEX BIAS SUIT AGAINST AUTO DEALER JEFF WYLER EASTGATE, INC. FOR $2.3 MILLION

Class of 39 Qualified Women Rejected for Sales Jobs will Share Monetary Relief

CINCINNATI – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today that it has resolved its lawsuit charging that Jeff Wyler Eastgate, Inc. and 10 additional Jeff Wyler-owned dealerships, acting as an integrated enterprise, discriminated against a class of qualified women on the basis of sex by refusing to hire them for automobile sales positions. The Jeff Wyler defendants have denied liability for the violations alleged in the EEOC's complaint.

The lawsuit (Case No. 1:03CV622) filed on Sept. 25, 2003, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, provides $2.3 million to 39 class members who sought employment in automobile sales positions. The consent decree also provides for the hire of class members, to whom defendants will extend job offers. Other provisions include management accountability in the area of equal employment opportunity, manager training with respect to the anti-discrimination requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and reporting and monitoring provisions.

The case was resolved by consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division. The EEOC first attempted to voluntarily resolve the case without litigation.

EEOC Regional Attorney Jacqueline McNair said, "It is disturbing that women still face the barriers and stereotypes they faced 40 years ago when Title VII was enacted. We are pleased that the parties in this case reached an amicable resolution with important training and policy change provisions."

http://www.eeoc.gov/press/4-5-07.html

WALGREENS SUED FOR JOB BIAS AGAINST BLACKS

EEOC Says Pharmacy Giant Makes Store Assignments and Denies Promotions Based on Race; Thousands of African American Managers and Professionals May Be Affected

ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today filed an employment discrimination class lawsuit against Walgreen Company, the Illinois-based national drugstore chain, alleging widespread racial bias against thousands of African American workers.

The EEOC charges in the suit that Walgreens assigns managers, management trainees, and pharmacists to low-performing stores and to stores in African American communities because of their race. Additionally, the EEOC asserts that Walgreens denies these managers and professionals promotional opportunities based on race – all in violation of federal law.

"This lawsuit demonstrates that the Commission's focus on systemic cases will be a powerful weapon to tackle obvious as well as subtle forms of race discrimination," said EEOC Chair Naomi C. Earp. "We will not rest until workplace decision-making is based on merit rather than immutable and irrelevant characteristics, such as race or color."

Walgreens' actions were investigated by the St. Louis and Miami district offices of the EEOC after more than 20 current and former employees from around the country complained to the federal agency. The EEOC filed the litigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Case No. 07-cv-00172-MJR-CJP) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement with Walgreens.

EEOC St. Louis District Director James R. Neely, Jr., said, "Essentially, Walgreens has made store assignments based on race. This policy has served to restrict the opportunities for advancement of African American employees at Walgreens stores nationwide."

A group of current and former African American managers filed a private lawsuit making similar allegations in June 2005. That lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, and the plaintiffs in that case have asked the court to certify it as a class action.

Johnny Tucker, one of the Walgreens employees who reported the discrimination, said, "Walgreens has erected barriers that hinder qualified African Americans in their pursuit of advancement through promotions and job assignments. Our plea is for our judicial system to take notice and require Walgreens to end discrimination against African Americans in its work force."

EEOC St. Louis Regional Attorney Robert G. Johnson said the Commission seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief for the class of aggrieved workers. "It is unthinkable in this day and age that a company of Walgreens' size and reputation would differentiate between its managers based on their race," he said. "All individuals deserve the freedom to compete in the workplace on a fair and level playing field."

According to its web site (www.walgreens.com), Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. "is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2006 sales of $47.4 billion. The company operates 5,584 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico."

On February 28, EEOC Chair Earp launched the agency E-RACE Initiative (Eradicating Racism And Colorism from Employment), a national outreach, education, and enforcement campaign focusing on new and emerging race and color issues in the 21st century workplace. Further information about the E-RACE Initiative is available on the EEOC's web site at http://www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/e-race/index.html.

In Fiscal Year 2006, the EEOC received 27,238 charges alleging race-based discrimination, accounting for 36 percent of the agency's private sector caseload. Historically, race-based charges have been the most frequent type of filing with EEOC offices nationwide. The EEOC has also observed a substantial increase over the past 15 years in discrimination charge filings based on color, which have risen from 374 in FY 1992 to 1,241 in FY 2006.

http://www.eeoc.gov/press/3-7-07.html

JUDGE APPROVES $5 MILLION SETTLEMENT OF JOB BIAS LAWSUITS AGAINST WOODWARD GOVERNOR

EEOC Said Global Engine Systems and Parts Company Discriminated Against Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Women at Illinois Facilities

ROCKFORD, Ill. – A federal judge has given final approval to a $5 million settlement resolving two consolidated class action employment discrimination lawsuits against a global engine systems and parts company, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today.

The litigation began on May 8, 2003, when a group of employees filed a class action lawsuit (Bell, et al v. Woodward Governor Company, N.D. Ill. No. 03 50190) against Colorado-based Woodward Governor, asserting that it engaged in illegal discrimination against African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians at its Rockford and Rockton, Ill., facilities with respect to pay, promotions and training, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. On October 4, 2006, the EEOC sued Woodward (EEOC v. Woodward Governor Company, N.D. Ill. No. 06 C 50178) affirming the same charges and adding a charge of discrimination against women, which also violates the Equal Pay Act (EPA). The two suits were consolidated by the court for litigation.

The consent decree settling the suits, approved by Judge Philip G. Reinhard of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, established a $2.4 million settlement fund to be shared by minority employees who worked at Woodward Governor's Rockford or Rockton plants at any time since May 1999, and a $2.6 million settlement fund to be shared by female employees who worked at Woodward Governor's Rockford or Rockton plants at any time since June 2002.

In addition to the monetary settlement, the consent decree mandates extensive injunctive relief. The decree requires that Woodward utilize an industrial organizational psychologist to perform an analysis of production jobs that were at issue in the suit and develop written job descriptions for those jobs as well as a performance appraisal and compensation review process. Upon completion of the job analysis, Woodward is required to review the job assignments of its current production employees and adjust them as necessary based on the new job descriptions.

The decree also authorizes the appointment of Nancy B. Kreiter of Chicago to oversee and assist in Woodward's implementation of and compliance with the consent decree. In the past, Kreiter has provided similar services in connection with the implementation of the consent decrees which resolved two EEOC sex discrimination lawsuits – EEOC v. Mitsubishi and EEOC v. The Dial Corporation. Kreiter will provide annual reports to the court assessing Woodward's compliance with the terms of the decree.

Other terms of the decree include injunctions against discrimination and retaliation; a provision that Woodward implement a procedure for investigating complaints of discrimination; a requirement that Woodward provide training to employees regarding its anti-discrimination policy and complaint procedure; and a term mandating semi-annual reporting to Kreiter, the EEOC, and plaintiffs' counsel regarding promotion decisions, compensation changes, and job training offered to employees.

"The EEOC is very satisfied with both the monetary and non-monetary relief provided for in the consent decree," said EEOC Regional Attorney John Hendrickson. "The $5 million settlement fund provides for significant monetary relief, and the appointment of Nancy Kreiter to oversee implementation of the decree ensures that the decree will bring about comprehensive changes at Woodward resulting in equal opportunity and treatment for all of Woodward's employees."

Judge Reinhard had preliminarily approved the consent decree on October 5, 2006. On Friday, Judge Reinhard gave final approval to all terms in the decree and approved the distribution of the settlement funds among claimants who were permitted to file claims under the decree. The claims process in now complete and closed, and no additional claims to the settlement fund are being accepted or considered.

The Director of the EEOC Chicago District Office, John Rowe, who managed the agency's pre-suit administrative investigation of Woodward Governor, said, "Our sense now is that Woodward Governor is determined to make the aspirations memorialized in the consent decree part of daily life at the company. With that, with the work of Ms. Kreiter, and with the good will of everyone involved, the future looks bright for everyone at Woodward Governor."

EEOC Trial Attorney Ann Henry, who, with Supervisory Trial Attorney Gregory Gochanour, staffed the case, added, "The job analyses provided for by the consent decree should position Woodward to make future job assignment and compensation decisions based on job-related, non-discriminatory criteria and should go a long way in assuring a discrimination-free work environment at the company."

Plaintiffs in the private class action were represented by Jennifer K. Soule, James G. Bradtke, and Kelly K. Lambert of Soule, Bradtke & Lambert of Chicago. Firms associated with them on the case were Robert D. Allison & Associates, Law Offices of Stephen G. Seliger, and Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., all of Chicago, and Law Offices of Peter G. Earle of Milwaukee.

Woodward Governor describes itself on its web site (www.woodward.com) as "the world's largest independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of energy control solutions for aircraft engines, industrial engines and turbines, power generation, and process automation equipment," with corporate headquarters located in Fort Collins, Colo. Woodward has approximately 1,100 employees at its Rockford and Rockton plants. The company has 25 facilities worldwide with ten in the United States and others in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

http://www.eeoc.gov/press/2-20-07.html

Edited April 19, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[ThaiGoon]

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy.

In Thailand, they are?

By the way, did the way Katrina disaster has been handled in any way reflect the US gov't policy towards black minority at all? Or that was just a policy of an individual who happened to be the president of the USA? I'm just curious.

Edited April 19, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[goldfish]

Correct me if I am wrong here, but are not Burmese workers under curfew in the evenings after work. I also beleived they were banned from owning or even using motorbikes, cars and mobile phones. I could of course be wrong as I was in rather a state of shock when reading the article

[ThaiGoon]

Correct me if I am wrong here, but are not Burmese workers under curfew in the evenings after work. I also beleived they were banned from owning or even using motorbikes, cars and mobile phones. I could of course be wrong as I was in rather a state of shock when reading the article

Frankly, I don't know if that's a gov't policy or it's just a rule imposed by the governor of Phuket. Anyway, I'm not denying that there's no racism in Thailand, but the attempt by farangs to try to paint Thailand as a very bad example of racism is just a bit hypocritical and dishonest to me.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy.

In Thailand, they are?

By the way, did the way Katrina diaster has been handled in any way reflect the US gov't policy towards black minority at all? Or that was just a policy of an individual who happened to be the president of the USA? I'm just curious.

Katrina was George W. Bush and Dick Cheney all the way. The US House and Senate are under new management now and Bush's policies are finally being examined. When the Republicans were in charge he could do anything he wanted with impunity. Those days are gone because the American people disagreed with the status quo. The American people were angry about Katrina, the war in Iraq. These and other issues brought down the house of Bush/Cheney. You might not have seen it but there was an imediate reaction to Bush's handling of Katrina. His political appointee had to resign. There is a continuing reaction to his dragging hs feet on the rebuild. In 208 the Republicans will most likely lose more seats in the goverment and the new president will likely be a Democrat. Of note, Obama aho is half black, half white is a strong contender for the Democtactic Party nomination for president with broad support among all races. Colin Powell also black was a popular choice for president but he redused to run. America still has racist elements but the majority of the American people now look at the person rather than the skin color.

Edited April 19, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[astral]

If you think Thailand practices racialism with its own people,

then you should come and look at Malaysia for a real example of racism.

I agree there is racialism in Thailand regarding foreigners,

but that is largely to protect Thailand, and I feel other nations may have to

enact similar policies soon as foreigners are taking over in many places.

Look at the recent race riots in France.

[ThaiGoon]

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy.

In Thailand, they are?

By the way, did the way Katrina diaster has been handled in any way reflect the US gov't policy towards black minority at all? Or that was just a policy of an individual who happened to be the president of the USA? I'm just curious.

Katrina was George W. Bush and Dick Cheney all the way. The US House and Senate are under new management now and Bush's policies are finally being examined. When the Republicans were in charge he could do anything he wanted with impunity. Those days are gone because the American people disagreed with the status quo. The American people were angry about Katrina, the war in Iraq. These and other issues brought down the house of Bush/Cheney.

I see. So even the top administrators of a great country are still practicing some form of racial discrimination. I guess racism is everywhere then.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Correct me if I am wrong here, but are not Burmese workers under curfew in the evenings after work. I also beleived they were banned from owning or even using motorbikes, cars and mobile phones. I could of course be wrong as I was in rather a state of shock when reading the article

Frankly, I don't know if that's a gov't policy or it's just a rule imposed by the governor of Phuket. Anyway, I'm not denying that there's no racism in Thailand, but the attempt by farangs to try to paint Thailand as a very bad example of racism is just a bit hypocritical and dishonest to me.

The Phuket governor is a government offical and the action is a government action. Note that Bangkok has not disapproved of the action.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy.

In Thailand, they are?

By the way, did the way Katrina diaster has been handled in any way reflect the US gov't policy towards black minority at all? Or that was just a policy of an individual who happened to be the president of the USA? I'm just curious.

Katrina was George W. Bush and Dick Cheney all the way. The US House and Senate are under new management now and Bush's policies are finally being examined. When the Republicans were in charge he could do anything he wanted with impunity. Those days are gone because the American people disagreed with the status quo. The American people were angry about Katrina, the war in Iraq. These and other issues brought down the house of Bush/Cheney.

I see. So even the top administrators of a great country are still practicing some form of racial discrimination. I guess racism is everywhere then.

One MAJOR difference, in the US the governmental system of checks and balances is bringing these people to account for their actions. In the US there are laws prohibiting this behavior. In Thailand this ever happens. For example, if a US Merchant tried to double prices goods and services based on race and nationality he would be in court. They took the big insurance down for that policy a few years ago. In Thailand the word is, "This is Thailand".

Edited April 19, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[ThaiGoon]

America still has racist elements but the majority of the American people now look at the person rather than the skin color.

I hope you are right. Nowadays, in America as I see it, you rarely know a true color of a white person until you see an outburst from him/her. Just look at Michael Richards, Mel Gibson and Don Imus. It's all very hidden nowadays. The best evidence of racism in America can still be apparently seen in the wage inequities. Sure they might not be the gov't policy, but they certainly are the powerful (white) people's policy over there.

Edited April 19, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[ThaiGoon]

One MAJOR difference, in the US the governmental system of checks and balances is bringing these people to account for their actions. In the US there are laws prohibiting this behavior. In Thailand this ever happens. For example, if a US Merchant tried to double prices goods and services based on race and nationality he would be in court. They took the big insurance down for that policy a few years ago. In Thailand the word is, "This is Thailand".

By the same token, I'm an international student in America. My tuition fees are always higher than those of state residents. Is that some kind of racism as well? Where are the US laws that prohibit this kind of behavior? I'm just curious. Or this is America?

Edited April 19, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

One MAJOR difference, in the US the governmental system of checks and balances is bringing these people to account for their actions. In the US there are laws prohibiting this behavior. In Thailand this ever happens. For example, if a US Merchant tried to double prices goods and services based on race and nationality he would be in court. They took the big insurance down for that policy a few years ago. In Thailand the word is, "This is Thailand".

By the same token, I'm an international student in America. My tuition fees are always higher than those of state residents. Is that some kind of racism as well? Where are the US laws that prohibit this kind of behavior? I'm just curious. Or this is America?

You are charged out of state tuition like any student from another state. You are not charged a separate fee based on being foreign. I had to pay out of state tuition when I went to a state supported university in a state where I was not a resident. I could have stayed out a term or two and established residency and then qualified for in state rates but I chose to pay and get on with my education.

[ThaiGoon]

You are charged out of state tuition like any student from another state. You are not charged a separate fee based on being foreign. I had to pay out of state tuition when I went to a state supported university in a state where I was not a resident. I could have stayed out a term or two and established residency and then qualified for in state rates but I chose to pay and get on with my education.

I see. It's like if farangs in Thailand obtain Thai citizenship then they will charged the same to national parks as Thais then.

[goldfish]

Correct me if I am wrong here, but are not Burmese workers under curfew in the evenings after work. I also beleived they were banned from owning or even using motorbikes, cars and mobile phones. I could of course be wrong as I was in rather a state of shock when reading the article

Frankly, I don't know if that's a gov't policy or it's just a rule imposed by the governor of Phuket. Anyway, I'm not denying that there's no racism in Thailand, but the attempt by farangs to try to paint Thailand as a very bad example of racism is just a bit hypocritical and dishonest to me.

If it's a rule imposed by the governor of Phuket then he has a lot of power, as I first read about it in the local Samui paper. Please don't try defending the most racist rule/law I have ever had experience of, it just makes you sound like an idiot

[donx]

One MAJOR difference, in the US the governmental system of checks and balances is bringing these people to account for their actions. In the US there are laws prohibiting this behavior. In Thailand this ever happens. For example, if a US Merchant tried to double prices goods and services based on race and nationality he would be in court. They took the big insurance down for that policy a few years ago. In Thailand the word is, "This is Thailand".

By the same token, I'm an international student in America. My tuition fees are always higher than those of state residents. Is that some kind of racism as well? Where are the US laws that prohibit this kind of behavior? I'm just curious. Or this is America?

If you are claiming that you pay higher tuition fees than other out-of-state students, then yes that is rascism and if I were you I would find myself a good lawyer and sue your school. If however, this isn't the case then what you are referring to is not rascist but the difference between in-state fees and out-of-state fees.

[ThaiGoon]

If it's a rule imposed by the governor of Phuket then he has a lot of power, as I first read about it in the local Samui paper. Please don't try defending the most racist rule/law I have ever had experience of, it just makes you sound like an idiot

Where did I try to defend it? If you were not an idiot, you should have seen that I said I'm not denying the racism in Thailand. And by the way, the story I refered to was about Burmese workers in Phuket. There might be another one in Samui, but there was also one in Phuket.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

You are charged out of state tuition like any student from another state. You are not charged a separate fee based on being foreign. I had to pay out of state tuition when I went to a state supported university in a state where I was not a resident. I could have stayed out a term or two and established residency and then qualified for in state rates but I chose to pay and get on with my education.

I see. It's like if farangs in Thailand obtain Thai citizenship then they will charged the same to national parks as Thais then.

Lets look at an examples of what I am talking about. A foreign worker including a foreign business owner is subject a minimum salary rule based on nationality. Different rates for different countries. That is specificlly included int he UN document as a form of racism. Then there are the numerous examples of businesses charging more for foreigners. Yesterday whle y car was in the shop I had to take a mini bus. When my wife started to pay the published rate the driver demanded 5 baht more since I was a foreigner. In Thailand this is a routine practice. It is also specifically included as a prohibited practice in the UN Convention. In the US and most countries especially those who agreed to the UN Convention there are laws prohibiting those practices and the laws vigorously enforced. Of those countries agreeing to the Convention India has in the recent past been singled out and chastised because of the caste system officially illegal but openly practiced and tolerated by the Indian government.

Edited April 19, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[cdnvic]

If you were not an idiot, you should have seen that I said I'm not denying the racism in Thailand

Ok, this has nothing to do with race, but if you look back through your own posts Thaigoon, you constantly are referring to others as "idiot", "stupid", etc. (If you don't believe me do a keyword search of your own posts)

Regardless of your race or nationality, you are a rude and ill-mannered person who needs to learn a few manners. I have never seen anyone on this forum be so consistently resort to name calling, and I've been here a long time and seen many such people come and go.

You like to lecture others a lot, but I think you might serve yourself well to watch your own manners and stop posting like a belligerent teenager.

[ThaiGoon]

Lets look at an examples of what I am talking about. A foreign worker including a foreign business owner is subject a minimum salary rule based on nationality. Different rates for different countries. That is specificlly included int he UN document as a form of racism. Then there are the numerous examples of businesses charging more for foreigners. Yesterday whle y car was in the shop I had to take a mini bus. When my wife started to pay the published rate the driver demanded 5 baht more since I was a foreigner. In Thailand this is a routine practice. It is also specifically included as a prohibited practice in the UN Convention. In the US and most countries especially those who agreed to the UN Convention there are laws prohibiting those practices and the laws vigorously enforced. Of those countries agreeing to the Convention India has in the recent past been singled out and chastised because of the caste system.

I see. Fair enough.

[ajarnmark]

You are charged out of state tuition like any student from another state. You are not charged a separate fee based on being foreign. I had to pay out of state tuition when I went to a state supported university in a state where I was not a resident. I could have stayed out a term or two and established residency and then qualified for in state rates but I chose to pay and get on with my education.

I see. It's like if farangs in Thailand obtain Thai citizenship then they will charged the same to national parks as Thais then.

Is it? TG, did you born stupid or you went to stupid school?

This is the same when I called a bank for credit card, the lady answered, that I should get Thai citizenship first and then apply for credit card.

Talking about paying more fee in USA is totally absurd. Look at Thai universities where they have dual fees structure, Thai and foreigner.

Also look at the job advertisement, where they seek people of certain nationalities. If they do it in my country or any other western country, they would be in court for racial discrimination. But here: welcome to the land of "mai pen rai".

Interestingly, talking about racism, a Thai can own a school, be a cab driver or do a shop job in USA but not the US guy can do this in Thailand. Isn't it racism?

Well, I am not generalizing, but whenever, you say something about racism in Thailand, Thais stand up and say, "No, I don't think that there is racism in Thailand." My answer is always, "Really", and followed by "then define racism". Interestingly, none of these Thais can tall me about racism, and I am not talking about people from Isaan (I have never been there). I am talking about the so called "elite" class of Thailand in Bangkok.

Any insights?

Edit Result: No change in contents.

Edited April 19, 2007 by ajarnmark

[backflip]

"So even the top administrators of a great country are still practicing some form of racial discrimination. I guess racism is everywhere then. "

Gee, I guess so. Ray Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans - and a black man - commented that he wanted to keep NO a "chocolate city". Reverand Jesse Jackson - a black man - referred to NYC as "hymie-town".

[ThaiGoon]

Is it? TG, did you born stupid or you went to stupid school?

This is the same when I called a bank for credit card, the lady answered, that I should get Thai citizenship first and then apply for credit card.

Talking about paying more fee in USA is totally absurd. Look at Thai universities where they have dual fees structure, Thai and foreigner.

Also look at the job advertisement, where they seek people of certain nationalities. If they do it in my country or any other western country, they would be in court for racial discrimination. But here: welcome to the land of "mai pen rai".

Interestingly, talking about racism, a Thai can own a school, be a cab driver or do a shop job in USA but not the US guy can do this in Thailand. Isn't it racism?

Well, I am not generalizing, but whenever, you say something about racism in Thailand, Thais stand up and say, "No, I don't think that there is racism in Thailand." My answer is always, "Really", and followed by "then define racism". Interestingly, none of these Thais can tall me about racism, and I am not talking about people from Isaan (I have never been there). I am talking about the so called "elite" class of Thailand in Bangkok.

Any insights?

Edit Result: No change in contents.

I was talking about the facts regarding to the fees to national parks in Thailand. Not sure how a person who "did born" smart like you would try to associate it with a credit card application. And please use your intelligence with which you "did born" to look at what I said earlier about racism in Thailand.

[ThaiGoon]

"So even the top administrators of a great country are still practicing some form of racial discrimination. I guess racism is everywhere then. "

Gee, I guess so. Ray Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans - and a black man - commented that he wanted to keep NO a "chocolate city". Reverand Jesse Jackson - a black man - referred to NYC as "hymie-town".

Exactly.

[younghusband]

Nowadays, in America as I see it, you rarely know a true color of a white person until you see an outburst from him/her.

It's very revealing how in a rather muddled tirade against alleged American racism, this rather nasty little racist squib slips out.

[ThaiGoon]

Nowadays, in America as I see it, you rarely know a true color of a white person until you see an outburst from him/her.

It's very revealing how in a rather muddled tirade against alleged American racism, this rather nasty little racist squib slips out.

[highdiver]

Unlike Thailand, any wage inequities in the US are not government policy.

In Thailand, they are?

By the way, did the way Katrina diaster has been handled in any way reflect the US gov't policy towards black minority at all? Or that was just a policy of an individual who happened to be the president of the USA? I'm just curious.

Katrina was George W. Bush and Dick Cheney all the way. The US House and Senate are under new management now and Bush's policies are finally being examined. When the Republicans were in charge he could do anything he wanted with impunity. Those days are gone because the American people disagreed with the status quo. The American people were angry about Katrina, the war in Iraq. These and other issues brought down the house of Bush/Cheney. You might not have seen it but there was an imediate reaction to Bush's handling of Katrina. His political appointee had to resign. There is a continuing reaction to his dragging hs feet on the rebuild. In 208 the Republicans will most likely lose more seats in the goverment and the new president will likely be a Democrat. Of note, Obama aho is half black, half white is a strong contender for the Democtactic Party nomination for president with broad support among all races. Colin Powell also black was a popular choice for president but he redused to run. America still has racist elements but the majority of the American people now look at the person rather than the skin color.

are you realy an american???

yeh right... george bush is the cause of all evil..not that i personaly like the guy but making him an excuse for the Americans racist behavior towards katrina victims and minorities is a bit far fetched.

America is not just new york or california its also amjority of states that are some of the raciest people on earth.

now they came up with a new terminology to disuise racisem.

black are "afro americans" inidians are native americans and so forth.

whem america finished exploiting its own minorities they became forign investors and are now exploiting developing countries.... another nice terminology for people that are so poor they will work for nothing and make us american more rich.

no one is perfect and it seems that everyone is a raciest towrds anyone or anything diferent...

[highdiver]

Nowadays, in America as I see it, you rarely know a true color of a white person until you see an outburst from him/her.

It's very revealing how in a rather muddled tirade against alleged American racism, this rather nasty little racist squib slips out.

if you realy want to see the colours then just ask a "white" mother how she realy feels about her son getting married to a Thai girl....

ofcourse thailnd is racist.. just as bit as any other country but in Thialnd every one knowes it and dont hide behind "politicaly correct"