The New Generation Gap (thai Kids "chill Chill")

[Mr.StickyRice]

Online gaming.

I think this is the new Yaabaa of Thailand. A form of entertainment in Thailand that most adults have no clue about. If you ask the local Somporn and Boonmee: "What is the cheapest most readily available drug and vice in Thailand at the moment ?", you will realize they have no idea.

Most Adult Thais have no clue about what goes on 24/7 in internet cafes across the country. Games like Ragnarok/Pangya/Warcraft are taking over and the only thing we see are snippets of news like "ID checks past 10" or "Online gang beats up kid" or whatever.

But the real situation is much deeper than that. This is a new sub-culture fueled by low internet costs ( a recent invention I would say with in the last 5 years or so) and a huge amount of free time. We all know how much of that the Thais, and those of us who actually post on this board, have...

Actually I have online gaming to thank for my skill in reading Thai. Since I play and enjoy these games I have things to talk about with my students and I see a slice of how the Thai language is really used without the Ps around. Not alot of "krup" online BTW.

Whatever. Things like online gaming, SKYPE, MSN messenger, are just a fad...

Sleep tight

Edited December 14, 2005 by Mr.StickyRice

[TRIPxCORE]

Online gaming is turning into the biggest occupier of time for teenage kids across the world, not just in Asia. Asian kids, no matter which country they live in, seem to be especially interested in it. Every new generation will have their interests that the previous generation just doesn't seem to comprehend. I don't know much about online gaming myself but I have heard many negative things about it thus far. I can't make any forgone conclusions on it since my experience with it is nil, but personally I think kids have much more productive ways to spend their time besides playing games on the computer.

[tom yum goong]

i dont think theres anything wrong with online gaming or computer games in general. I've been known to indulge in a little online gaming now and then.

however, what does concern me is seeing these kids in these gaming/internet shops all day and all night. these places don't seem to close, and prices are very cheap so there is very little to stop kids gaming all the time.

that can't be healthy. if you spend all your time in a virtual world, perhaps as a form of escapism, then you may at some stage lose touch with reality.

but what can u do? i guess parents are responsible for their children but it seems many Thai parents these days either don't have the time or the inclination to encourage their children to take up more wholesome pursuits.

[skylar]

Thai kids have been addicted to Ragnarok for at least 3 years already. Where have you been?

Edited December 19, 2005 by skylar

[kayo]

I enjoy games too (though I've not yet ever played an online game), and have at times found it incredibly easy to sit at home all day playing silly games that are actually fun, and increasingly (over the years) artistic, often realistic.

I think the danger, in keeping with the "cheap drug" metaphor by the OP, is excess.

Like all drugs, like all aspects of life really: Do&Use with moderation.

[solo siam]

I dont really get why there's a problem, If kids were up till late playing Chess everyday - no-one would bat an eyelid.

[Fast Eddie]

They should be outside with a football, jumpers for goalposts and wincing from the pain of an ill advised sliding tackle on the tarmac. A far healthier lifestyle than being glued to a computer screen all day lost in a fantasy world, while filling their faces with soft drinks and junk food.

Edited December 20, 2005 by Fast Eddie