What Makes A Hero?: Thai Opinion

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STREETWISE
What makes a hero?
Achara Deboonme



BANGKOK: -- Asked this question, Marvel Comics fans might say bravery. Transforming from an ordinary man, Spider Man does not fear bad guys, having his sticky web and fast speed to support himself. Forget about Thor, who is god-like, but we also love Captain America and other superheroes because of the same reason.

Do a Google search on "what makes a hero" and you will find some valuable comments from www.ask.com.

"A hero can be a person that saves lives and stuff, but a hero can be anyone that does something they have fear of but are brave enough to still do something. Examples: Batman, Iron Man and all of them." Certainly, this must be a fan of Marvel Comics.

Well, another answer highlights the heroic quality in every human being. "A hero is someone who can be looked up to for their actions. Bravery is usually the biggest trait of a hero. This person has usually overcome huge obstacles to survive or to rescue others. Heroes come in all sizes. Sick children, grown firefighters, doctors, missionaries, philanthropists are all examples of heroes."

In a world where some people out there are still forced to keep secret their sexual preferences, they would love this: "I think a hero is someone who is open about everything, like being openly gay."

Hollywood has been a champion in making heroes. Before 2008, few people outside the US knew about the life of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk. That changed after the 2008 movie "Milk", starring Sean Penn, who won an Academy Award for the role.

In "Dolphin Tale" we learnt how kids could become heroes by saving a dolphin that was a victim in an accident and lost its tail.

"Big Miracle" brought us the true story of a two-week international effort to save three grey whales stranded under ice near Alaska in 1988.

Now, I wonder if "Thailiwood" will be interested in making a documentary about the Thai legal team representing the country at the International Court of Justice last week in the case over the disputed Preah Vihear Temple.

Thais embrace them as national heroes. When the team members, led by Virachai Plasai, arrived back in Thailand on Saturday, a huge crowd greeted them at the airport. Some came with banners saying, "Welcome our hero, Virachai" and "Alina Miron, you're our hero. We love you". Admiration for them was all over the social media.

Before officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies are saddened by thoughts of public ignorance, Suan Dusit Poll showed 35.59 per cent of poll respondents were pleased with their evidence and 22.04 per cent with the help from all parties. Certainly, that should warm those officials, who had to help unearth and supply evidence as much as 50 years old.

The admiration for them is undeniably incomparable to that towards the Thai legal team. The public's admiration is so great that we might need to feel worried for them. In a world driven by social media forces, sentiments can spin in a different direction in a matter of hours.

When an article on the legal team's return to Thailand was posted on Facebook/Nationnews, it drew a valid comment from Greg Reid: "I wonder what will happen to the legal team when they lose? I'm sure the Thais will blame these pale-faced lawyers."

He understands well what lies ahead for Thailand concerning the Preah Vihear case. Indeed, Virachai apparently took a note. He thanked all Thais for their support. Asked whether Miron, a Romanian, knew of her popularity here, he simply said, "It has been acknowledged."

Twenty eight per cent of Suan Dusit Poll's respondents are right to fear that the Preah Vihear case might not go in favour of Thailand. Worse, they fear it may sour Thailand's relations with Cambodia.

Although pleased with the Thai team's performance last week, King Prajadhipok's Institute research director Thawilwadee Bureekul also expressed her concern about this. She said the dispute has sparked nationalism. Several old photos have been circulated on the social media, like the one showing Silpa Bhirasri and his students during the renovation of the ruined temple.

"The thing everyone must understand is that Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours, and are bound to cooperate in upholding peace in Asean. Both sides have their own evidence. It's the government's duty to neutralise conflicts," Thawilwadee said.

It is expected that the ICJ will rule on the case later this year. Virachai and his team are heroes for now. Along the way, many more heroes must appear with the courage to neutralise cross-border conflicts. Local residents along the border - who packed belongings last week, ready for emergency evacuation in case violence erupted - are waiting for them.

Yes, a hero can be "someone who you can look up to". And that "someone" can be anyone brave enough.


-- The Nation 2013-04-23

[Thai at Heart]

Did I miss something here? Did they create world peace or pluck a child from a burning building?

They were employed to and did a job, in an office in Europe. What is heroic about that.

[NongKhaiKid]

Did I miss something here? Did they create world peace or pluck a child from a burning building?

They were employed to and did a job, in an office in Europe. What is heroic about that.

How long will this ridiculous hero worship last if the ICJ finds for Cambodia ?

[noitom]

What a meandering senseless piece of tripe this "news" article is. It reads like it was written by some dreamer not in touch with even a basic thread of reality. Meandering tripe.

[Thai at Heart]

What a meandering senseless piece of tripe this "news" article is. It reads like it was written by some dreamer not in touch with even a basic thread of reality. Meandering tripe.

I think she is the new editor....

It is tripe.

[Robby nz]

No there are no heroes in this temple thing, these people were and still are being paid, I would imagine a large sum to do a job and 5 star fed and housed into the bargain.

This whole temple thing right from the start is a gross waste of funds and lives born out of stupid nationalism.

With a little bit of co-operation and common sense the whole area should have been a well publicized, jointly managed thriving tourist attraction for the benefit of both countries and in particular the local people.

It still could be but the idiocy will continue no matter who wins this particular case.

[BrianCR]

Personally, I feel that nationalism, in some form, can be good for a country and can help people "bond together" to the advantage of all - the problem with the west is nationalism only happens when Western Countries are practicing their version of "the killing fields" and have their armies out murdering members of other nationalities. "Super powers"? They don't have the brain power to even negotiate

[DocN]

....wait....didn't I just read a Nation- article about reality and nationalism?

What bunch of losers!

[greg71]

What is thailiwood? This is the most pressing issue i have this morning

[Phronesis]

I think the author of this article has a drug problem.

[caykay]

I can tell you what a hero isn't. See picture above.

[Thai at Heart]

I guess the head of the army in the back of the picture is checking his a message on his phone to see the state of troop movements at the border.

[Markaew]

Typical. Thais are void of so many emotions, behaviors, and common sense. Responsibility, consequence, heroes. They have to Google these to understand them.

[Markaew]

Yingluck really looks out of place in that picture.

The caption should read "Thai Woman Rescued From Kidnappers".

[Razzler1973]

So, when is a decision due?

[upena]

The Thai legal team that whined, complained, and accused Cambodia of cheating, can hardly be referred to as heroes.

[Dr Wanchai]

What a meandering senseless piece of tripe this "news" article is. It reads like it was written by some dreamer not in touch with even a basic thread of reality. Meandering tripe.

I think she is the new editor....

It is tripe.

Where can I buy some green tripe for my dog ?

He loves tripe.

[bigbamboo]

If this bunch are deemed heroes in Thailand no wonder they have hundreds of generals weighed down with medals.

[thhMan]

I got lost at SpiderMan and then it stopped being journalism and just the usual fluff so as to get a paycheck at the end of the month.

[uptheos]

Talk about setting the bar low!

[fire and ice]

The article in mentioning comic book heors is mixing up the term "hero' with the tems "super hero" and "action hero" they are not the same thing. No one refers to superman as a 'hero' but a 'super hero' - a 'hero;' is always a real person (although to be picky sometimes the tag is attributed to a dog/horse etc)

[rbrooks]

I think the true Thai hero should be named ATM man.

[lostmebike]

I think the true Thai hero should be named ATM man.

Got to ask, are you speaking from any personal experiences?

[fish fingers]

what makes a hero in thailand - a friends father is a commander in the thai army nr the thai cambodia border, he's never ever accepted a bribe and as a result he's always been stepped over for promotion. Recently he acted when local trees were being felled illegally to clear land; without telling anyone, he got his platoon to put invisible metal spikes in 100s of trees to stop a forest being cut down. A local businessman/politician is furious and basically he was shipped off to another Base by his superiors. To me he's like a thai Clint Eastwood character

Edited April 23, 2013 by fish fingers

[cup-O-coffee]

Heroes and villains do not exist. Their definition can too easily become convoluted and twisted in the minds of men with their inherited imperfections. This article is exemplary of that.

[Pimay1]

I think the true Thai hero should be named ATM man.

Then that makes us all heros

[rbrooks]

I think the true Thai hero should be named ATM man.

Got to ask, are you speaking from any personal experiences?

Yes from many ATMs, I was their hero from Pattaya to as far north as Chiang Mai. Thais flocked to my flashing ATM card and I feared no evil but felt strong in the LOS (Land of Scams) with my trusty ATM card at my side.

[rubl]

What makes a hero, Thai style?

To be ruthless in seeking success and flaunt your wealth after?