Video of row on Skytrain spurs debate

[ClutchClark]

This is a case of old Thai Culture vs new Thai Culture. Outside of the city it is looked down on a woman if the man is even holding her closely regardless if they are bf/gf or married even.

In Bangkok it has been changing (probably due to farang influence) to where it is acceptable to be close to a lover or spouse. Kissing in public here is still not acceptable though due to their Culture.

Any man who is married to a woman who is not from a big city here would know this and has had it happen to them or at least has had their wife/gf pull away from them when they first began to be seen in public.

But Culture is changing (especially in Bkk).

Although I have not seen the video (nor do I care to), I have seen this display personally in Bangkok at public places. Although I was unaffected i did notice others turning away or looking down at the display.

As a foreigner I would say (move on! nothing to see her) but looking at it from a Thai point of view I would have to say that the new cultural standards should be respectful to the old ones and not make such a big show of it to insult other Thais.

Thank you for eloquently and considerately stating what my codger mind is not capable of.

[Bluespunk]

Let me try to clarify this even further for you. This was not a public display of affection--that can be accomplished by holding hands or giving a quick peck.

What this was is the more base behavior of sexual desire.

It might have also been intentionally performed to create a stir. I can't speak for Thailand but many of these young Lesbians in the US enjoy this "in your face" aggressive type tactic towards the public at large. Sort of a "yes we are lesbians and we want to shock you".

Since you & I were not there it is impossible to say so there is little point in our continuing said discussion.

As always--the last word is your.

;-)

And I'll take it, cheers.

They were kissing, to make a statement or because of the way feel. However that's it, they are kissing, it's not a crime.

I haven't seen a clip [nor wish to do so] of them kissing so I can't say what type of kissing it was, but the report says they are just kissing, not engaging in sexual foreplay.

I don't like it when it happens, but I also don't like loud people, smokers, people who reek of cigarettes, strong body odours, people drinking alcohol in public, people eating food as they walk along and so on.

Just because I don't like it does not give me the right to force others to stop what they are doing.

If I was in america then I would agree with you; however, I am a guest in a foreign country and the customs of that country appear to take the stand such displays are best not made in public.

Unlike many posters, I did not come to Thailand to tell Thai people they need to change their customs to more closely mirror my own views.

I will leave such things to those who feel its their right--yourself and those who liked your comment.

As I posted earlier, I saw the same type of "affection" taking place between a 60-something year old farang and his young squeeze and he was making quite the show of his...what you consider his emotions...and it put off everyone that was witness in the car. Thais do not feel this behavior is acceptable--which is good enough for me.

And I know I offered you the last word. Apologies.

No worries. Just final one from me.

In this case it was Thais who were involved not foreigners wasn't it?

[baboon]

Hey, I got a very nice skimpy speedo that I swim laps in. Its been so hot some days in BKK that I have had a real hankerin' to just wear that little ol' piece of nylon and my flip-flops as I go about my daily routine.

I was worried it would be taken as impolite to society but your words have given me personal encouragement to let my freak flag fly (as was a popular saying maybe 40 years ago).

Cheers

And how is that an expression of emotional feeling towards another? After all that is what these people were doing.

Some might say you are deliberately comparing two things that are not alike and are even talking nonsense for reasons of your own.

Not me though.

Ohh...emotional feeling? Is that what you are calling this scene?

About as emotional feeling as two dogs humping.

I was referencing your statement: "Let people express themselves and be who they are." In my Speedo scenario.

Nope.

Kissing is not "humping"

It's kissing.

Let me try to clarify this even further for you. This was not a public display of affection--that can be accomplished by holding hands or giving a quick peck.

What this was is the more base behavior of sexual desire.

It might have also been intentionally performed to create a stir. I can't speak for Thailand but many of these young Lesbians in the US enjoy this "in your face" aggressive type tactic towards the public at large. Sort of a "yes we are lesbians and we want to shock you".

Since you & I were not there it is impossible to say so there is little point in our continuing said discussion.

As always--the last word is your.

;-)

I had the misfortune of witnessing such a scene on the London Underground: a couple of boilers getting stuck in to one another with their eyes glaring defiantly round the car all the while. It was deeply unsavoury and it would have been equally so had they have looked like porn stars.

Just wait until you get home then you can cavort with beach balls in baked beans for all I care. I don't want to see couples of any sexual persuasion attempting to retrieve one another's breakfast while I am simply trying to get from A to B quietly...

[rebelplatoon]

The world is on fire. But worries about same sex persons kissing in public. Each its own. It was just hugging and kissing. Would do it in private but up to them.

[WhizBang]

Time for Thailand to enter the 21st century (or even the 20th), on this issue and sooooooo many more.

[les Dennis]

Why didnt they just send stickers to each other on Line like the rest of the country.

[Prbkk]

It would only be some old crone who would even notice as EVERYONE else has their noses an inch from a phone, tablet, ipad checking facebook, playing games, whatever. Except the old crone and me.

[h90]

eating and drinking is already banned in the BTS.

Make it now: eating, drinking, masturbating, kissing, pulling in the nose....

[ClutchClark]

It would only be some old crone who would even notice as EVERYONE else has their noses an inch from a phone, tablet, ipad checking facebook, playing games, whatever. Except the old crone and me.

Nice job. You reeled me right in and then wham! Set the hook with the last two words in the sentence.

Cheers

[Bluespunk]

eating and drinking is already banned in the BTS.

Make it now: eating, drinking, masturbating, kissing, pulling in the nose....

Masturbating?

Kind of left field there, compared to the others that is.

Edited November 8, 2014 by Bluespunk

[maidee]

was sharia law installed overnight ?

kissing not acceptable, by the mouth of a LADYBOY .... freaking man in women clothes with mental problems, dickie cut of or not ....

the pot calling the kettle ...

[simon43]

eating and drinking is already banned in the BTS.

Make it now: eating, drinking, masturbating, kissing, pulling in the nose....

Drat! I'll have to take the crowded bus now

[Lupatria]

Would there be a similar outcry if someone gets caught on camera kissing the feet or lower back of an 'influential figure'?

[boomerangutang]

It's interesting how so many Thai folks begin an opinion by stating something like; "I don't know about ...., but....." ...and then they go on very opinionated. In other words, they start out depicting themselves as not having an opinion (read; overly modest), and then rail on hyper-opinionated.

Here's what I suggest: just write what you want to say, without prefacing it with false modesty.

[boomerangutang]

when they ban scratching or rearranging the nuts, then I'll have to hitchhike.

Seriously though... Thais know all about the myriad courtesies required for ancient things, like showing respect for royalty, for Sangha, for elders. They know all about how the top of the head is sacred, and the soles of the feet are lower than the anus, etc. ad nauseum.

Yet, Thais aren't apprised of modern things like: phone etiquette or courteous driving. Either that, or they know they're being rude (on the phone or on the streets), and just figure, 'mai pen rai.'

As for kissing, well, that's on-topic and I'll let all the other posters opine on that.

Edited November 8, 2014 by boomerangutang

[ClutchClark]

It's interesting how so many Thai folks begin an opinion by stating something like; "I don't know about ...., but....." ...and then they go on very opinionated. In other words, they start out depicting themselves as not having an opinion (read; overly modest), and then rail on hyper-opinionated.

Here's what I suggest: just write what you want to say, without prefacing it with false modesty.

Well I am certainly no expert but I wonder if its not just a polite formality for them to state an opinion that way to avoid coming off as a lecture?

Cheers

Edited November 8, 2014 by ClutchClark

[DeaconJohn]

If I was in america then I would agree with you; however, I am a guest in a foreign country and the customs of that country appear to take the stand such displays are best not made in public.

Unlike many posters, I did not come to Thailand to tell Thai people they need to change their customs to more closely mirror my own views.

I will leave such things to those who feel its their right--yourself and those who liked your comment.

As I posted earlier, I saw the same type of "affection" taking place between a 60-something year old farang and his young squeeze and he was making quite the show of his...what you consider his emotions...and it put off everyone that was witness in the car. Thais do not feel this behavior is acceptable--which is good enough for me.

And I know I offered you the last word. Apologies.

No worries. Just final one from me.

In this case it was Thais who were involved not foreigners wasn't it?

Yes, it was Thais involved, but the lesson that prolonged and passionate kissing should be done in private applies to farangs as well.

[Bluespunk]

If I was in america then I would agree with you; however, I am a guest in a foreign country and the customs of that country appear to take the stand such displays are best not made in public.

Unlike many posters, I did not come to Thailand to tell Thai people they need to change their customs to more closely mirror my own views.

I will leave such things to those who feel its their right--yourself and those who liked your comment.

As I posted earlier, I saw the same type of "affection" taking place between a 60-something year old farang and his young squeeze and he was making quite the show of his...what you consider his emotions...and it put off everyone that was witness in the car. Thais do not feel this behavior is acceptable--which is good enough for me.

And I know I offered you the last word. Apologies.

No worries. Just final one from me.

In this case it was Thais who were involved not foreigners wasn't it?

Yes, it was Thais involved, but the lesson that prolonged and passionate kissing should be done in private applies to farangs as well.

There is nothing in the story or clip to suggest that the kissing was passionate or prolonged.

Edited November 8, 2014 by Bluespunk

[alocacoc]

What did she say? Falangs do that, but we are Thais. Right?

Edited November 8, 2014 by alocacoc

[ClutchClark]

What did she say? Falangs do that, but we are Thais. Right?

Thank you for that video. I do not understand Thai but the lesbian seemed polite in her behavior towards the irate woman. She "bowed" and used a soft subordinate voice in her acknowledgement and response.

It was interesting to see the other passengers intentionally looking away from the scene.

You certainly won't find my wife allowing me a kiss or a little grab-a$$ in public.

No way jose.

She would consider it a great insult to herself.

[SOTIRIOS]

....I have always wondered about this hypocrisy....

...time and again.....you see a tomboy.....pawing...hugging...kissing....grabbing.....in public...

...like they are even going out of their way...to make a big display....to provoke or evoke a reaction....

....such behaviour by a guy.......... is obviously lewd and inappropriate.....

...so why should it be tolerated by lesbians.....

...how can anyone pretend that it has anything to do with dignity or rights....

...the receiving party more often than not is passive.....almost like a victim.....overpowered by the aggressor....

[klauskunkel]

On her Facebook page, the Diary of Toot shared information

we don't know what happened before that," Toot wrote.

Toot also said: "Please don't talk about sexual preference

...and the nickname 'Toot' means...

[bheard]

I find public nose picking more offensive than this but have never seen anyone intervene or chase people from a train for doing it.

Agreed, and what about spitting great gobs of muck next to you (have not seen that on the train . . . yet) and violent sniffing. How about coughing while not covering the mouth. YUK!

Much more of a problem than innocent displays of affection.

Actually I hesitate to admit it, but a couple of lezzos kissing is something I quite enjoy seeing, and why not be entertained thus while on the train?

[ClutchClark]

I find public nose picking more offensive than this but have never seen anyone intervene or chase people from a train for doing it.

Agreed, and what about spitting great gobs of muck next to you (have not seen that on the train . . . yet) and violent sniffing. How about coughing while not covering the mouth. YUK!

Much more of a problem than innocent displays of affection.

Actually I hesitate to admit it, but a couple of lezzos kissing is something I quite enjoy seeing, and why not be entertained thus while on the train?

Not when they look like women softball coaches....but to each their own.

Edited November 8, 2014 by ClutchClark

[atyclb]

Its ultimately up to thai people and thai society to judge or not judge. or ultimately up to God.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

I think two women kissing is great as long as one is not a tom.

[kriswillems]

What did she say? Falangs do that, but we are Thais. Right?

The tomboy said farang also do it and she shouldn't discriminate people based on race.

The angry women replied that that is the business of the farang.

She said that she is in Thailand and has never seen farang hugging and she now sees Thai people doing it, and everyone around is Thai and speaks Thai.

To me it's all bullshit, the irritated woman that is trying to defend the Thai culture is a hypocrite.

She is criticizing the people with a loud aggressive voice and publicly blaming them.

In the in end, the one that is the least Thai in this story is the angry irritated woman.

Edited November 8, 2014 by kriswillems

[Neeranam]

So show the video and let the public make a decision about the behavior of these people.

They're probably speaking Thai and we foreigners aren't allowed to learn that.

[ClutchClark]

What did she say? Falangs do that, but we are Thais. Right?

The tomboy said farang also do it and she shouldn't discriminate people based on race.

The angry women replied that that is the business of the farang.

She said that she is in Thailand and has never seen farang hugging and she now sees Thai people doing it, and everyone around is Thai and speaks Thai.

To me it's all bullshit, the irritated woman that is trying to defend the Thai culture is a hypocrite.

She is criticizing the people with a loud aggressive voice and publicly blaming them.

In the in end, the one that is the least Thai in this story is the angry irritated woman.

The "least Thai"?

I do not know a similar expression in the US. If this were an American mass transit and two Americans were in this conversation I cannot conceive of ones behavior being called less American.

The content of their conversation is quite enlightening as it demonstrates Thai perception and opinion of farang habits. Thanks for the translation.

Edited November 8, 2014 by ClutchClark

[Neeranam]

What did she say? Falangs do that, but we are Thais. Right?

It's a normal thing for Thais to say. I've overheard mothers talking to their kids saying things like, "where's your manners, you're not a farang". Racist but the way it is. I've no noaubt that some farang parents say, "don't do that, you're not Thai".