We Are All Thais

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

We are all Thais; Let's try to get along as a family

By The Nation

Bangkokians and other city dwellers must begin to understand their country cousins, otherwise we will never heal our national wounds

One of the key issues needing to be addressed in the aftermath of the red-shirt political protests and riots in April and May is for Bangkokians to better understand their fellow countrymen who come from rural areas.

The gap in mutual understanding between urban and rural people is real and it shouldn't really require the protesters or the government to tell us this. Initiatives must be taken in order to bridge the communication gap, and Bangkokians themselves must readily take steps toward more sympathetic understanding of those in the provinces, especially the rural poor.

Without such an effort, Thailand will likely continue to be a country divided, and such a condition will only produce more ignorance and distrust.

It is not unheard of for some Bangkokians to have seen a real farm, or even a real water buffalo, only after they become adults. This is unfortunate and is symptomatic of the rural-urban divide.

Here are some corrective steps that can be taken.

Universities could require students in certain faculties to spend a few weeks in rural areas to learn more about the lives and living conditions of those in the provinces. While some universities and colleges do already have programmes to send students to help build schools in poor rural areas, these are mostly top-down initiatives wherein those dispatched from Bangkok feel that they are helping the rural poor in a unilateral way. While making city students feel good about themselves and others, these kind of activities can sometimes reinforce a latent sense of superiority.

What is needed is a change of mentality. Young Bangkokians should have opportunities to learn from farmers about sustainable lifestyles, as well as rural cultural values, traditions, and present socio-economic and political conditions. They should by no means think of themselves as being superior on all fronts.

Television stations - and not just TPBS, which is funded by taxpayers' money - should allot more air time to news about rural affairs and the problems of poor people, instead of flooding viewers with more and more meaningless news about movie stars and pop singers.

A recent item on Channel 3, for example, gave less than two minutes to three farmers to talk about what they think of the government's agriculture policy. This is clearly inadequate and unfair, especially considering how much airtime is spent on media celebrities and other news that is inconsequential to society in general.

It won't have escaped the notice of Bangkokians that many of the red-shirt protesters and supporters in the city are actually rural people who have migrated to the capital to work. Here, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration can capitalise on the fact that Bangkok's demographic makeup is diverse, and use it as an opportunity to reach out to all sections of society in the reconciliation effort. The BMA could quite easily organise forums for Bangkokians and rural migrants to discuss the issues that divide them, and to learn from each other.

Universities could organise similar events, and could also conduct more studies on the views of rural people, migrants and city residents.

Noted historian Charnvit Kasetsiri has described migrant workers who live in Bangkok as "ru-ban" as in "rural" and "urban". He is right in saying that we need to better understand their disaffection and their needs.

In the end, understanding and empathy will be the first crucial steps in bridging the gap between rural and urban Thailand. Bangkokians can no longer afford to be complacent. They do not have the luxury of time before the next round of protests begins.

We need to realise that we are all Thai, and that we must act as brothers and sisters. If we cannot do this, the price of further civil strife may become too much to bear.

-- The Nation 2010-07-10

[anotheruser]

LULZ we are all Thais!

[Robby nz]

Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.

Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.

These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.

Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar “workers’ then their conditions will never improve.

In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.

[asiawatcher]

If the Thai media networks had half a brain they would showcase content reflecting true rural areas and lifestyles, agricultural activities and in fact 'real' Thailand in lieu of the insult to intelligence they call television now. Mindless screaming, crying, violence etc - all against Thai sensibilities, manner or lifestyle.

Show something that matters even if dramatised and from rural Thailand. Show some documentaries on production and show Thai kids milk comes from cows not supermarkets. All too easy but not in the minds of the buyers. Stupid is as stupid does.

[Ned]

Patronising snobs. They really do make you sick.

[KIWIBATCH]

Hear hear...well said

[landofthefree]

Hear hear...well said

Don't forget Thaksin is part of the family and Thai as well.

[Robby nz]

The thread is nothing to do with Thaksin but the reds always seem to want him in everything.....But hey isnt he Motahoovien or something or Ugandan and didnt he have a go at being a Fijian as well,and what else, a real citizen of the world.

Possibly he's divorced from the Thailand family same as from his ex wife.

Me thinks the only way he wants to be part of the Thai family is as the head man.

[Samuian]

Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.

Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.

These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.

Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar “workers’ then their conditions will never improve.

In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.

When have you last spoken to a US Farmer or one from the European Union....?

And yeah, this threads title: them, not us!

some opinion, why highlght it?

is there since a paranoia growing that the seed a certain party tried to saw may germinate?

I don't think'so....those involved won't stop to agitate too soon, because they aren't happy with just a share, they want it all.... how was this song..."I want it all...!

Edited July 10, 2010 by Samuian

[Robby nz]

Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.

Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.

These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.

Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar “workers’ then their conditions will never improve.

In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.

When have you last spoken to a US Farmer or one from the European Union....?

My knowledge is of NZ farmers and tradesmen and I can mainly compare with them however:

I understand farmers in both the US and EU are subsadised to some extent, in the EU quite heavily, this would have to be some sort of recognition right? yet they still protest they want more.

I would hazard a guess that comparitively in both cases they would have incomes closer to the office types than the Thai farmer and be more respected, except maybe when they block the towns with their tractors. They would also have better housing, access to education and general living conditions.

I assume you have seen how Thai farmers and builders live, an example is a couple of hundred metres down the road from where I live a new building is going up and the builders and their families are living under a tarp strung over bamboo poles and sleeping on the ground.

how does that compare with the US or EU ?

[rkidlad]

Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.

Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.

These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.

Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar “workers’ then their conditions will never improve.

In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.

When have you last spoken to a US Farmer or one from the European Union....?

And yeah, this threads title: them, not us!

some opinion, why highlght it?

is there since a paranoia growing that the seed a certain party tried to saw may germinate?

I don't think'so....those involved won't stop to agitate too soon, because they aren't happy with just a share, they want it all.... how was this song..."I want it all...!

There's always one isn't there. Most farmers and construction workers in Thailand have nothing. Awful pay and working out in the hot sun all day. How can you compare farmers in the EU and US to the ones of Thailand?

We're talking about the working class people of Thailand, not the developed world. They're seen as expendable and people look down on them. Any logical thinker would respect these kinda people because who wants to do their job? I know I certainly don't. But someone has to!

Where I come from we respect the working class. In Thailand they respect the rich.

[TheWalkingMan]

LULZ we are all Thais!

And remember...

All Thais are equal. But some Thais are more equal than others.

TheWalkingMan

[kopite]

Patronising snobs. They really do make you sick.

agree 100%

[dru2]

Hear hear...well said

Don't forget Thaksin is part of the family and Thai as well.

Actually he's one hundred percent ethnic Chinese and makes a point of China being his ancestral homeland.

[ozzieovaseas]

Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.

Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.

These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.

Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar "workers' then their conditions will never improve.

In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.

When have you last spoken to a US Farmer or one from the European Union....?

And yeah, this threads title: them, not us!

some opinion, why highlght it?

is there since a paranoia growing that the seed a certain party tried to saw may germinate?

I don't think'so....those involved won't stop to agitate too soon, because they aren't happy with just a share, they want it all.... how was this song..."I want it all...!

There's always one isn't there. Most farmers and construction workers in Thailand have nothing. Awful pay and working out in the hot sun all day. How can you compare farmers in the EU and US to the ones of Thailand?

We're talking about the working class people of Thailand, not the developed world. They're seen as expendable and people look down on them. Any logical thinker would respect these kinda people because who wants to do their job? I know I certainly don't. But someone has to!

Where I come from we respect the working class. In Thailand they respect the rich.

Sorry mate but i do have to peg you on that one

All us farangs are rich arent we? and do we get respect?

[Hawk]

All us farangs are rich arent we? and do we get respect?

No, we are not all bursting with money to throw away on the disrespectful Thais.

As for all Thais being viewed as equal, what nonsense. Rich person with a Merc mows down poor commuters standing at a bus stop and remains free. Equal my backside!

The elite of Bangkok have never given a crap about anyone except themselves, and this attitude will remain for the foreseeable future and probably beyond.

Edited July 10, 2010 by Hawk

[kuffki]

I seriously do not get it.

From what i know Thailand and Bangkok is on planet earth.So why such stupidity?

How many New Yorkers have seen real farm? How many Londoners have seen real farm.

People in Capital city's do not know life in the outskirts and people in the outskirts do not know life in the city.

While in the village 5000 baht is enough money to live for a month(not a luxury life, but enough to eat), in the city with 5000 baht you will be lucky just to get a room.

Why should people in the capital city care about people on the outskirts and other way around? How many people care about homeless kids or homeless animals? 10% if that? Cause if everyone cared about everyone then we will be living in a perfect world with no poor, no homeless,-JUST ONE BIG HAPPY WORLD IN PIECE.

Same across entire universe.

[jocko]

I seriously do not get it.

From what i know Thailand and Bangkok is on planet earth.So why such stupidity?

How many New Yorkers have seen real farm? How many Londoners have seen real farm.

People in Capital city's do not know life in the outskirts and people in the outskirts do not know life in the city.

While in the village 5000 baht is enough money to live for a month(not a luxury life, but enough to eat), in the city with 5000 baht you will be lucky just to get a room.

Why should people in the capital city care about people on the outskirts and other way around? How many people care about homeless kids or homeless animals? 10% if that? Cause if everyone cared about everyone then we will be living in a perfect world with no poor, no homeless,-JUST ONE BIG HAPPY WORLD IN PIECE.

Same across entire universe.

!00% right as poorer countries become more prosperous the have's look down on the havenot's .

That's Life

[jayjay0]

All us farangs are rich arent we? and do we get respect?

No, we are not all bursting with money to throw away on the disrespectful Thais.

As for all Thais being viewed as equal, what nonsense. Rich person with a Merc mows down poor commuters standing at a bus stop and remains free. Equal my backside!

The elite of Bangkok have never given a crap about anyone except themselves, and this attitude will remain for the foreseeable future and probably beyond.

What is the difference between Thailand and where you come from. If the rich care for you so much why is there unions. In the US if you have enough money you can commit murder and get away with it. If you don't know how ask O J. Thailand is not a bad place to live. I really don't believe that the poor are all unhappy. Poor equals unhappiness is farong thinking.

Edited July 10, 2010 by jayjay0

[rkidlad]

<BR>

<BR>

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<BR>Not a matter of needing understanding but a matter of being given respect and recognition of the true contribution the productive people of this country deserve.<BR><BR>Unfortunately those who sit on their chuffs in offices have an inflated value of themselves and look down on those who produce their food, build their houses and produce the consumer goods they fill their lives with.<BR><BR>These are people who cannot and will never be able to produce anything themselves and are in fact only support for the productive people, unfortunately in many cases their superior attitude means that they turn themselves into obstructive parasites on those who do the real work.<BR><BR>Until those who are called upon to build a house, repair a leaking tap or sort out an electrical problem are given the recognition and respect, living conditions and yes financial return their expertise deserves, along with those who grow the rice and vegetables, catch the fish and produce the meat for the tables of the so called white collar "workers' then their conditions will never improve.<BR><BR>In most western countries the builders, farmers and those who produce the wealth of the country are held in respect by most and receive a decent return , that is what needs to happen here.<BR>

<BR><BR><BR>When have you last spoken to a US Farmer or one from the European Union....?<BR><BR><BR>And yeah, this threads title: them, not us!<BR><BR>some opinion, why highlght it?<BR><BR>is there since a paranoia growing that the seed a certain party tried to saw may germinate?<BR><BR>I don't think'so....those involved won't stop to agitate too soon, because they aren't happy with just a share, they want it all.... how was this song..."I want it all...!<BR>

<BR><BR>There's always one isn't there.  Most farmers and construction workers in Thailand have nothing.  Awful pay and working out in the hot sun all day.  How can you compare farmers in the EU and US to the ones of Thailand?<BR><BR>We're talking about the working class people of Thailand, not the developed world.  They're seen as expendable and people look down on them. Any logical thinker would respect these kinda people because who wants to do their job?  I know I certainly don't.  But someone has to!<BR><BR>Where I come from we respect the working class.  <B>In Thailand they respect the rich.</B><BR>

<BR><BR><BR>Sorry mate but i do have to peg you on that one<BR><BR>All us farangs are rich arent we? and do we get respect?   <IMG class=bbc_emoticon alt= src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif"><BR>

<BR><BR>I never said all us 'farangs' are rich.  where did you get that from?<BR><BR>And I said where 'I' come from.  I'm not from 'Farangland'.  I'm from a small country town in the south of England. I can't speak on the behalf of other foreigners living in Thailand.<BR><BR><BR>

[djayz]

I noticed the article only talks about educating city dwellers about life in the country / on a farm but there's no mention of showing country folk anything about city life...

Living in a city isn't always as good as it's cracked up to be - pollution, criminality, higher cost of living, less (or no) green, etc. I think it's a two-way thing - have to educate both sides about life and daily issues "on the other side". I can imagine many rural people thinking life in BKK is perfect compared to their lifes out on the land.