Laying Down The Law

[glegolo]

I have a solution: Show only Cartoon Network 24/7 on every TV channel and in every theater!

sometimes interrupted by a soap opera!

--------------------------------------

isn´t that a fact already... in TV 1,2,3,4, there are more or less constantly an never ending

line of soap operas....

Good education by the way for Thai´s ..

glegolo

ps. by the way.. this thing with Kareokee bars etc. as usual it is the "little man" that has to pay

the "bill".....

dsme

[realitymanagement]

There must be another way to discourage society's ills without passing a much of new complex and arbitrary enforced regulations.

Any internet cafe proprietor who tries to implement this will never get it 100% right 100% of the time.

This just opens up but another avenue for corruption.

[mrphil]

Laying down the law

New regulations on karaoke, Internet gaming, film ratings set to take effect

BANGKOK: -- .....

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

.....

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Might work if kids must have a picture bearing smart card

and it fits in a card reader on EVERY internet cafe computer,

or at least on a master computer for a network this MIGHT be controlled.

But it is gonna be quite pricey, need a windows compatible software, in Thai of course,

the SAME version on every Icafe computer in the nation,

and need an absolute nation wide implementation students and cafes,

and all sorts of issues beyond that.

The HOURS stated are ridiculously too much. 6 hours of gaming a day is OK... what ARE they thinking!

2 hours a day of non educational and that's it.

Basically kids, you have between 4-6 pm then go home for dinner.

There is little likelihood of an 'IT system' being able to regulate this.

These guys just don't UNDERSTAND the technology at all.

You missed the whole point of the gaming control law - the IT system !

The law will allow a few policemen to pay for their family dinner with tea money

from the internet cafes, but the big money will be the (impossible) IT system.

Think of a 500M Baht project (or more), and how much of that will go into back pockets

[stub]

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

This will put half the karaoke parlours out of business, its because of the girls many Thai men go to the Karaoke bars, very rare you see a falaang in one outside of the tourist areas.

Nah - it will just change the business model slightly. Instead of charging for one of the staff to sit and drink and sing with you, the customer will tip one of the female customers (freelancer) who is hanging around for doing the same or a kickback given to the girl for drinks consumed. Girls are no longer staff, so might need encouragement to stay at that particular bar so under table payments instead of a base wage. The only real changes the customer will see is the girls no longer wearing uniforms and maybe having to negotiate rates rather than have flat fees for the bar. It seems worse for the girls though.

[peterpop]

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

This will put half the karaoke parlours out of business, its because of the girls many Thai men go to the Karaoke bars, very rare you see a falaang in one outside of the tourist areas.

Who cares? Business will continue as usual and that's ok!

Partners will not be provided but join voluntarily! Same as it ever was.

Inspect, supervise, control, licence, TAX This is the way forward, ask the Aussies, the Dutch and oddly the Americans [in some states]

Human trafficking is an evil to be erradicated but these measures are agricultural and will fail.

[khonkaen man]

Amazing Thailand! Rather than Little China or China Lite I think the new advertising campaign should be tagged:

Thailand! Burma with Electricity

Before anyone goes off the rails, these new saber rattlings from today's flavor of the day government probably will go the way of the smoking law, prostitution laws and standards for English teachers. This government has done absolutely nothing positive over the past six months except handing out Bt2,000 checks to the poor. They got the idea from the last truly elected deposed prime minister. You got to love this place.

Agree with u 100% except for 1 small point. The 2000bht was not given to the poor it was given to the 'middle classes'. Those wonderful people who believe they have to support yellow. The poor only received massive tax hikes in their few luxuries.. cigarettes and beer which was to pay back the 9Billion baht use in the handout.

What a wonderful society that makes the poor subidise the better off. All bets are off....D Day is just around the corner

[delmersomsri]

Prostitution and pornography illegal in Thailand!?

Was just in the Chinatown portion of Bangkok yesterday and passed by a vendor selling pornographic vcd's. Must of had six or more customers viewing his wares. Not more than 20ft away was one of Bangkok's finest directing crosswalk traffic. I'm sure the vendor had to use the crosswalk on his way home .

[coalminer]

Laying down the law

New regulations on karaoke, Internet gaming, film ratings set to take effect

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

Deputy government spokes-man Phumin Leetheeraprasert said the Cabinet also assigned the Office of the Council of State to adjust some of the wording before the regulations are implemented.

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

Seven movie categories

Other regulations approved concern film ratings. The minister said there were seven categories: educational films people are encouraged to see; films suitable for the general audience; films suitable for those over 13; films suitable for those over 15; films suitable for those over 18; films restricted for persons under 20, and films banned from being screened in the Kingdom.

Teera also said that the ministry has finished making the six rating symbols and would submit them to the National Committee on Film and Video in mid-August before they are implemented.

The symbols are: "Sor" (from the Thai word song serm that means "promoted") for educational films people are encouraged to see; "Thor" (from thua pai meaning "general") for films suitable for the general audience; "Nor 13+" (Nor is from naenam meaning "advisory") for films suitable for those over 13; "Nor 15+"; "Nor 18+", and "Chor 20+" (Chor is from chapor that means "specific") for films restricted for persons under 20.

The two regulations should take effect in mid-August.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Topic moved to: " Jokes - puzzles and riddles - make my day! "

(Where it belongs anyway .....)

[KhunOr]

"The karaoke thing is a huge double standard, why crack down on that and turn a blind eye to massage parlours and go go bars?"

I believe it is only a matter of time.

Without saying whether I agree with it or not, I do not expect to see the sex scene as-we-know-it today to look anything like this in Thailand in five years from now. There is a groundswell of resentment to it among common Thai people, especially women, and a growing movement among the elite towards cleaning up Thailand's image. Like it or not, cracking down on perceived and actual immorality (certainly in public) is a vote winner.

[TEFLKrabi]

If I were sitting in a Karaoke Bar, with a girl, who do you think would get the fine, me or the bar owner????

[TAWP]

Amazing Thailand! Rather than Little China or China Lite I think the new advertising campaign should be tagged:

Thailand! Burma with Electricity

Before anyone goes off the rails, these new saber rattlings from today's flavor of the day government probably will go the way of the smoking law, prostitution laws and standards for English teachers. This government has done absolutely nothing positive over the past six months except handing out Bt2,000 checks to the poor. They got the idea from the last truly elected deposed prime minister. You got to love this place.

Agree with u 100% except for 1 small point. The 2000bht was not given to the poor it was given to the 'middle classes'. Those wonderful people who believe they have to support yellow. The poor only received massive tax hikes in their few luxuries.. cigarettes and beer which was to pay back the 9Billion baht use in the handout.

What a wonderful society that makes the poor subidise the better off. All bets are off....D Day is just around the corner

No, it wasn't given to the middle class.

Anyone making under 12k/month clearly is not part of the (very small) middle class in this nation.

[fiercesnake]

Ratings system - understandable, simply idea to give people an idea of what they are about to look at; though I don't know if average Thais have the same value system as in the developed world. Taking a small child to the latest Rambo movie is typical of a traditional value system that has not caught up with the modern materialistic and technological impacts on Thailand. Certainly their education system does not really address these issues or a host of other vital concerns and it's still the old, "Be a good little Thai soldier and comply with what we want you to think."

As for the Karaoke idea, I agree with the general thrust of the bulk of comments here. Is this really the most important thing the cabinet can discuss? Thailand really does has some amazing reasons to live here but the most obvious downside is the complete and utter hypocrisy of society. It is common-sense that if Thais ignore the great bulk of laws why would this be any different? The only difference is that more small regular bribes will be paid to the local smiling police, as with everything else that is "illegal" here yet seems to flourish. Is this an attempt to stop prostitution on the Thai side? Are they for real? What do they really want to do with their society? Where are they heading? Do you see any long term plans from the government on a more strategic basis or do these goofballs just aim at some bizarre little issue (internet gaming) and spend vast amounts of parliamentary time on this?

If they really want to stop prostitution or look at other much more serious issues, then start looking at developing true employment opportunities and a real education system that allows people to think. Oh, but then a population that can think for itself is a much harder to control entity and if we decrease our overpopulation of poor people it means we can not exploit them as much and have to start paying more realistic wages! Gosh when are these rich, controlling elite here going to change? Guess there is no incentive for them to change so they will continue to waste time on relatively nonsense issues and continue to let Thailand drift along while they continue to make huge wads of cash and implement the strategies that will continue to make the elite even more powerful.

This is what the country needs. Good on ya politicians! Why don't you all give yourself a raise!

[beerchang]

'Laying down the law' here, I realised a long time ago, has as much actual effect as me buying an exercise bike to get fit. Good idea, but not too long before forgotten about. They don't even murder innocent drug dealers anymore.

I'm glad it's just Bangkok though. That's very sensible because it lets me continue showing my 5 year old niece nasty horror films!

[hammered]

Those deciding on this of course never indulge in any of the activites or worse ones and are the perfect parent spending quality time with their kids rather than entrusting them to others etc etc

Telling people especially kids they cant do or see things tends to have the opposite effect especially if any deal of hypocricy is seen in the people deciding or those sending the message. As those deciding are politicians that would seem to be a doomed start.

Hasnt research shown that PC games improve hand eye coordination and certain ways of thinking in children? Obviously excessive play is not needed but stating the good things may also be advantageous.

However, these kind of campaigns are very popular with:

traditionalists and conservatives

the poor who cant afford the activity (everyone likes seeing the rich messed with and if you are Thai poor any lower middle class person is rich in comparison)

many of the old who dont understand modern society

[kusie]

Laying down the law

New regulations on karaoke, Internet gaming, film ratings set to take effect

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

Deputy government spokes-man Phumin Leetheeraprasert said the Cabinet also assigned the Office of the Council of State to adjust some of the wording before the regulations are implemented.

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

Seven movie categories

Other regulations approved concern film ratings. The minister said there were seven categories: educational films people are encouraged to see; films suitable for the general audience; films suitable for those over 13; films suitable for those over 15; films suitable for those over 18; films restricted for persons under 20, and films banned from being screened in the Kingdom.

Teera also said that the ministry has finished making the six rating symbols and would submit them to the National Committee on Film and Video in mid-August before they are implemented.

The symbols are: "Sor" (from the Thai word song serm that means "promoted") for educational films people are encouraged to see; "Thor" (from thua pai meaning "general") for films suitable for the general audience; "Nor 13+" (Nor is from naenam meaning "advisory") for films suitable for those over 13; "Nor 15+"; "Nor 18+", and "Chor 20+" (Chor is from chapor that means "specific") for films restricted for persons under 20.

The two regulations should take effect in mid-August.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Did Mr. A get these ideas from his recent visit to Viet Nam? Perhaps he had a meeting with the Department of Social Evils here in Viet Nam. !!!! It won't work and will lead to more corruption of Government Officials - when will they learn that rules & laws need to be able to be policed efficiently and be something the community as a whole would support.

[Paddleshifter]

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Woow.. this is some regime regulations. I thought this would be family matters. Teaching behaviour and moral is not a governments job.

Does the thai parents also do a lousy job?

Edited July 29, 2009 by Paddleshifter

[watcharacters]

This will probably put a few people out of work.

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

Just deny access to karaoke to those who can't sing and the problem is solved

brilliant..... that will definitely solve the whole thing.. LOL

[RKASA]

<snip>

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

IMPOSSIBLE!. How can that work??? Every game shop has its own server! Does someone really think game shop owners are going to "kill" their own business and follow these rules... No! IMHO

TiT where they can't even provide proper internet connections...

You will find everything will continue as normal except that the famous "tea money" bucket will now find its way to the internet shops! The BIB must have asked for a pay rise...As for Karoke bars not being able to supply singing partners &lt;deleted&gt;! cannot get my head round that one.What is this new law trying to say? Maybe there should be a new law across the board which says, "All woman are equiped to be hookers so they are banned from public places"! Things will stay the same at the Karoke bars as long as the tea bucket is replenished...

"All woman are equiped to be hookers so they are banned from public places"!

works in Islam

Edited July 29, 2009 by RKASA

[watcharacters]

:D

This will probably put a few people out of work.

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

Just deny access to karaoke to those who can't sing and the problem is solved

brilliant..... that will definitely solve the whole thing.. LOL

[ScubaBuddha]

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

I very strange step indeed, 90% of karaoke parlours will go out of business. I wonder, is this the start of a new crusade to sanitize the Kingdom of prostitution? I hope not, for their sake. Prostitution is the only reason left to go to Pattaya, Patpong, or Patong.

The adage is coming true for Thailand...Burma with electricity.

Edited July 29, 2009 by Scubabuddha

[Trouble]

I think the point of passing laws for the karoke bars and internet cafes is to help boost the police pension program. After all now they have new laws for which they can extract more tea money. As for the movie ratings, I don't suppose local DVD vendor really checks ID for age when he is selling the pirated DVD's.

Seems like the current government must not have much to do worrying about such things as Karoke bars and internet cafes.

Edited July 29, 2009 by Trouble

[MaiThaiMai]

Laying down the law

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

BOOOOOOOoooooooooWAAAAAhhhhhhhhha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- -ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

tears, aching sides ... ...ha - ha - ha -

BOOOOOOOoooooooooWAAAAAhhhhhhhhha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha,

ohhhh, stoppit, yer killin' me...

ha-ha-ha...uhhh, uh-ha - uh-ha - uh-ha - what's the point again?

[Scott]

So for Karaoke, it's now BYOB....Bring Your own Babe (a number of other B words can be inserted).

If I were a Thai entrepreneur, I would start a drive through 'bar' where you can pick up your girl and then go singing. Maybe even a delivery service.

For many people this will be sad, they may have to resort to bringing the Mrs. with them!

[PhuketRam]

The karaoke thing is a huge double standard, why crack down on that and turn a blind eye to massage parlours and go go bars?

You are probably misinformed: there are NO massage parlors with sexy girls, NO gogo bars in Thailand. Anyway, prostitution and pornography are illegal in this country.

According

[beerchang]

Laying down the law

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

BOOOOOOOoooooooooWAAAAAhhhhhhhhha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- -ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

tears, aching sides ... ...ha - ha - ha -

BOOOOOOOoooooooooWAAAAAhhhhhhhhha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-

ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha,

ohhhh, stoppit, yer killin' me...

ha-ha-ha...uhhh, uh-ha - uh-ha - uh-ha - what's the point again?

I think this is a very positive move made by very competant people. Are we to assume you think this is funny? Your post is at best 'vague'. Please post your opinons clearly in future. Thank you.

[beerchang]

[sunnymarky]

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Woow.. this is some regime regulations. I thought this would be family matters. Teaching behaviour and moral is not a governments job.

Does the thai parents also do a lousy job?

If the Children have Parents. Often they dont , some other aunt or grandparent , or other is the legal guardian, So There is no guidance. I have spoken to Thai teachers who have visited childrens legal guardian and its a sad situation sometimes. Basically the Kids do what they want with no Role Model other than "Disco dance and Shooting game " on the computers

Edited July 29, 2009 by sunnymarky

[minxwhale]

Laying down the law

New regulations on karaoke, Internet gaming, film ratings set to take effect

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.

Deputy government spokes-man Phumin Leetheeraprasert said the Cabinet also assigned the Office of the Council of State to adjust some of the wording before the regulations are implemented.

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

Seven movie categories

Other regulations approved concern film ratings. The minister said there were seven categories: educational films people are encouraged to see; films suitable for the general audience; films suitable for those over 13; films suitable for those over 15; films suitable for those over 18; films restricted for persons under 20, and films banned from being screened in the Kingdom.

Teera also said that the ministry has finished making the six rating symbols and would submit them to the National Committee on Film and Video in mid-August before they are implemented.

The symbols are: "Sor" (from the Thai word song serm that means "promoted") for educational films people are encouraged to see; "Thor" (from thua pai meaning "general") for films suitable for the general audience; "Nor 13+" (Nor is from naenam meaning "advisory") for films suitable for those over 13; "Nor 15+"; "Nor 18+", and "Chor 20+" (Chor is from chapor that means "specific") for films restricted for persons under 20.

The two regulations should take effect in mid-August.

-- The Nation 2009 07 29

Wow! The government can issue REGULATIONS that apparently don't need to be vetted in public hearings. That's very fair.

Issuing regulations is a good way to also bypass Parliament where a debate would have to take place on changes to the law.

Quite....dictatorial.

[minxwhale]

I think the point of passing laws for the karoke bars and internet cafes is to help boost the police pension program. After all now they have new laws for which they can extract more tea money. As for the movie ratings, I don't suppose local DVD vendor really checks ID for age when he is selling the pirated DVD's.

Seems like the current government must not have much to do worrying about such things as Karoke bars and internet cafes.

Excuse me. No laws were PASSED. that implies them going through the parliamentary process. This are regulations that are being imposed without public hearing or input from the regulated public.

WHAT A JOKE AGAIN.

[minxwhale]

Hi.

I for one agree to these changes. Have you ever been in the situation where you actually NEEDED an internet cafe, maybe because your computer just died or you were far away from home when your boss called to tell you that you urgently need to reply to a business e-mail? Then you got to an internet cafe and ALL the computers were occupied with kids playing senseless shoot-em-up games, with more kids waiting in line already? So you went looking for another internet cafe and it was the exact same situation there? Happened to me, not once but twice already.

And how about parents bringing their three-year-olds to the theater to watch horror movies which, in the western world, would be restricted to 18+ audiences? No wonder everyone in this country believes in ghosts when they start "learning" of their presence in empty houses from such a young age. On the other hand if the captain of the Titanic is shown on an oil painting during a documentary about the Titanic, his cigar is pixelated. As is any beer bottle. However a minute later Singha and Johnny Walker run their advertisements (carefully avoiding to show the product, as if not even kids knew what that product is!)

So if all television is censored to be watched by toddlers, i very much welcome a rating system for movies. Just make sure it is done right! I.e. do NOT censor all movies to be suitable for The Children™ but run uncensored versions that may even show a nipple or a cigarette at times and make sure the audience is 16 or 18 or whatever required (ID check is simple).

They have this sort of rating everywhere in the developed world and nobody complains, so why not here?

Best regards.....

Thanh

The R rating in the US is not for the horror in the film, its the 5 seconds of a nud_e girl they cut into the film so they can get the rating they wanted, because R rated sells more tickets. True fact. And it has proven to up the sale of video games as well.

Don't write about what you don't know.

The R rating is also for graphic violence and language, not JUST nudity.