Social Order Campaign

[marquess]

No doubt most of you are familar with the Thaksin Gov's "Social Order Campaign". Orignally intiated by the former interior minster Purachi.

My question here is what do you think of it?

Should we as foreigners bite out tongues, as this is not really our country?

Or as long term residents do we have the right to speak out?

[frodo]

I've found that by speaking out to those close to me, it's easily dismissed as being a "difference in culture." To an extent, that can be true. To another it really cannot be. A case in point is the recent display of of strippers entertaining TRT members. This morning when I asked people their thoughts (yes, there are some Thai's who are capable of this), all felt that this was fine. After all, they're only human. In past conversations, it has been also common to hear that the SOC is needed to help preserve the culture. It really does no good for us to complain, we are mere "visitors" (according to those I work with daily). I will only speak for myself, but complaining or even trying to enlighten those around us, let alone masses of people is no more than hot air.

BTW, here is that article mentioned above.

The Thai Rak Thai Party may be behind the “social order” campaign robbing ordinary folk of their fun but that doesn’t mean it can’t invite scantily clad dancers to entertain at its annual caucus.

Pretty girls dressed like Santa Claus (you could only tell because of their hats) kicked their heels Thursday night at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel in Pattaya. One wore only a top and a G-string, drawing oohs and aahs from the male members.

Some MPs quietly criticised the idea, saying it could put the ruling party on the spot. But most seemed to have a good time with the song-and-dance girls.

Reporters covering the three-day conference that ends today were also invited to join in the fun and some won presents, including a TV set and a gold necklace. Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said the show was a “mishap” after former government spokesman Sita Divari suggested adding some spice to the gathering.

“He offered to find some karaoke girls to add to the entertainment. He was acting in good faith. When the girls arrived, we didn’t know what to do. I just couldn’t ask them to leave,” Sudarat said.

The nation

TRT entertained

Happy Holidays!

frodo

[jooplo]

HI there

I am so happy that you are concerned about the Thai government

and try to present your ideas to all Thai people. But i disagree with you that

the expats are merely visitors and should just keep silent ...on the contrary, you guys have a big impact on our country more than we do in order to change the traditional attitude toward HYPOCRISY which is viewed as a normal thing here.

I am a Thai university student and I am aware of what MR. President is doing , but the matter of fact is more than 80% of Thai people do not know how to use their right correctly because of a lack of education so, it is unfortunate that

Money can finely judge everyone to be right or wrong without consideration of moral codes.

I can only say that Thailand needs ages to develop both socially and economically in order to bring up a new radical generation who do not believe in

spoiled system like this and replace the HYPOCRISY with something rational

, practical , logical , not just a cohesive self to the vicissitudes of life for a short time.

[maerim]

Same as all politicitians, don't do as I do, do as I say.

[marquess]

Jooplo, I agree with you about the educaton factor. I do not think that this is helped by the present gov controlling all of the news. It is almost impossible for the average Thai to get a balanced veiw of things.

I worry quite a bit when Toxin, tells people that they should be doing this or be doing that, and taking measures to inforce it. For example telling people that they should not be spending their money at Casinos etc. I wonder what will be next. As Farang who has lived here for number of years and loves Thailand. I feel that I must speak out when something is wrong. I am certain that the "democracy" that you now have, is not the democracy that the Thai people died for. Though they will have to speak up it things are to improve.

[NedKelly]

We should say our bit. Thai people may always think the same things about farangs, but the educated ones willquietly agree. There are probably numerous reasons for the SOC. I would like to offer a couple of practical suggestions which may go a long way towards helping with what the Taksin govt sees as a problem.

Firstly, as there is little or no regulation in the entertainment industry, maybe Mr Taksin could order his cohorts to create some. Now we all know how regulating anindustry can change it dramatically but if for example some rules abour noise were introduced, maybe entertainment joints would be less disruptive.

Secondly, to foster the development of more leisure opportunities for young people, maybe the catalyst for providing alternatives to the usual night time entertainment venues.

Thirdly and just as important as the first two. Politicians regardless of their culture, need to provide a positive role model for all citizens. For the Taksin governemnts political party to be seen frolicking with young girls in G strings is hardly the correct image to portray. Their recent reaction to Mr Taksins suggestions about not having a mistress was also met with an almost incredible reaction by members of parliament.

Obviously there is not just one solution to the situation. There are many things that need to change. it would be a really good positive approach for Mr Taksin's government to take. If they wish to employ me as their consultant on this issue and other issues in relation to the leisure industry I would be pleased to consult with them.