Politicians make jokes about mental health and gullibility

[webfact]

Daily News Thai Caption "Tham Pay Dai!" - Can Do!

 

Thai media Daily News reported offhand comments at the end of yesterday's cabinet meeting from both the PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and one of his deputies, health minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

The former questioned the gullibility of Thais while the latter made a crass joke about mental health issues. 

 

Everyone present laughed, sniggered and chuckled - thinking it hilarious.

 

In many countries they would be brought to task for such comments - in Thailand they will probably be allowed to get away with it, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

The comments came as the subject of the weird cult in the NE came up. A white haired mystic by the name of Phra Bida has been arrested and bailed on four charges.

 

One relates in particular to the cult promoting the ingestion of bodily fluids like phlegm, urine, feces and skin scrapings for good health. 

 

Prayuth said that he intends to let the Buddhist Council sort out the mess that has damaged the Buddhist religion.

 

He said that he didn't understand how people could believe the cult's claims calling the ingestion of bodily fluids "toorate" meaning "disgusting".

 

"I don't understand how the (Thai) people can believe such nonsense," he stated.

 

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Many of his critics have said just the same thing when it comes to people believing the former general's statements over the last 8 years since he grabbed power, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

Some suggest he dismisses criticism of his record out of hand. 

 

Not to be outdone as cabinet members digested the PM's comments, was controversial health chief Anutin.

 

"What is it with Thai society and cults?" he mused, before joking:

 

"On social media they all call me Phra Bida but at Sri Thanya I am just called a patient".

 

There were many guffaws with no one able to hide their amusement, said Daily News.

 

The media didn't need to explain to the Thai public but ASEAN NOW notes that Sri Thanya is one of Thailand's leading and most respected psychiatric hospitals.

 

Mentioning Sri Thanya in this offhand manner is a bit like referring to outdated mental health jibes like "loony bin". And belittling mental health issues.

 

This from the country's supposed health chief.

 

All those present thought he was hilarious. 

 

In other comments the PM said that a public forum to answer people's questions at Paragon shopping center in Bangkok on Thursday 19th May would go ahead with DPMs answering questions submitted via the National Economic and Social Development Council.

 

Prayuth said he would be going abroad for 4/5 days and would leave his deputies to defend the government's record. 

 

There were no laughs when this was raised.

 

Daily News called Anutin "Sia Noo" (mighty mouse) in their opening paragraph, referencing his wealth (he's a billionaire) and nickname. 

 

Prayuth was not called Big Too as he is usually referred to in the Thai press. This utilizes the Thai word "too" meaning to grab by force.  

 

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[mtls2005]

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

"I don't understand how the (Thai) people can believe such nonsense," he stated.

 

'Nuf said.

 

 

 

[Thailand]

And most of them will still be in power for the forseeable future in one form or another so get used to it.

Nothing is going to change here in a hurry.

[RJRS1301]

13 minutes ago, Thailand said:

And most of them will still be in power for the forseeable future in one form or another so get used to it.

Nothing is going to change here in a hurry.

That is the really scary thing about all this

 

[RJRS1301]

No wonder mental health treatments in this country is so archaic and almost non existent. 

Wonder if the Minister for Ill Health, has ever studied mental health or ethics?

 

[JonnyF]

What do they expect when the Thai education system teaches the young to never question authority, and blindly accept the nonsense that those in power spout, even when anyone with a modicum of intelligence knows it is false?

 

They should be glad the population is so gullible and pliable, they would never have been in power so long otherwise. 

[Sparktrader]

Bodily fluids contain protein and minerals

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

He said that he didn't understand how people could believe the cult's claims calling the ingestion of bodily fluids "toorate" meaning "disgusting".

How is the case with the naval officer sharing bodily fluids coming along?

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, Sparktrader said:

Bodily fluids contain protein and minerals

Yeah but steak & chips looks more appetising.

[trainman34014]

Very sad when the people running the World's largest ''Loony Bin'' cannot see that the joke is on them !!

[swm59nj]

Unfortunately mental health issues are not taken seriously in some Asian countries.  Not just Thailand. 
They also tend to just medicate the patients instead of providing proper counseling.  

[RJRS1301]

10 minutes ago, trainman34014 said:

Very sad when the people running the World's largest ''Loony Bin'' cannot see that the joke is on them !!

Not only "on them" but is them, with negative outcomes

 

[Bday Prang]

Oh dear sounds like one of the wokies getting themselves all offended over nothing again. That crazy old man should indeed be in some sort of psychiatric institution, and once incarcerated should be treated just like any other patient, does he deserve some sort of special "holy" status? I think not.

I also find  it difficult to believe the gullibility of of the people who consumed the bodily fluids and any right minded person would consider it disgusting

Could somebody please enlighten me why these comments were in anyway crass or offhand? on second thoughts, don't bother I'm not in the least bit interested

[Bday Prang]

5 hours ago, Sparktrader said:

Bodily fluids contain protein and minerals

They also contain toxins and pathogens, are you for real?

[Bday Prang]

The title of this topic sounds like the words of the school tell tale as he runs to the teacher with his hand in the air   "" Sir Sir , the politicians are joking about the gullible""

[hughrection]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

"I don't understand how the (Thai) people can believe such nonsense," he stated.

Says the man that talks to a fortune teller b4 he makes any major decisions. LOL  ????

[zzaa09]

6 hours ago, Thailand said:

And most of them will still be in power for the forseeable future in one form or another so get used to it.

Nothing is going to change here in a hurry.

Yet, this has been the nature of things forever here. Tradition. 

Without any such true devastation to everyday Thai lives. 

 

But now, all of a sudden it's an issue of consciousness or revelation of one sort or another within particular circles. 

Why is this? 

[PETERTHEEATER]

The PM is going abroad for a few days. No doubt the Land of Cuckoo Clocks will be standing by for his annual audit. He will be able to test the efficacy of the Thailand Pass first hand........His VIP status will count as at least 10,000 on the TAT entry indicator.

[Freed1948]

You get the government that you deserve. 

Unfortunately, the Thai people do not deserve these dingbats.

 

[sawadee1947]

8 hours ago, Sparktrader said:

Bodily fluids contain protein and minerals

And your point is....?,,,,,????

[Sparktrader]

10 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

And your point is....?,,,,,????

Not unhealthy

[farmerjo]

I can't believe this guy made bail,he is a wacko.

The local community will lynch him if he goes back.

As it's about 30 km's from home it;s to close for comfort.

[Rhys]

The innovative and progressive health minister is giving away 1 free Canabis plant to selected voters...