Thai Hmong association condemns Channel 3 for 'racist remarks'

[webfact]

Hmong association condemns Channel 3 for a TV show insulting race



BANGKOK: -- The Association of Hmong in Thailand has condemned a talk show on Channel 3 that it says aired inflammatory comments about the ethnic group.

In a statement released to the press yesterday, the association said the talk show, The Family Gang, on January 31 featured a former well-known hiltribe folk band called “Nok Lae,” whose members are not Hmong but dress in traditional Hmong clothing.

The statement said during the interview, the founder of the band, Somkiat Sayarat, said he decided to dress the group’s members in traditional Hmong garb because he was inspired by the lifestyle of the Hmong people in northern Thailand.

The Hmong “never washed their clothes” and “never took baths,” the founder said during the interview, prompting one of the hosts to respond with laughter and say, “Ah, I thought the maids were cooking salty fish or something in the studio. It was the smell of the costumes! It stinks up the entire studio!”

The statement called such remarks false and “racist.”

“They may mislead the general public to perceive the Hmong in an incorrect, humorous manner, and see them as a disgusting, dirty ethnic group,” it said

The show has been widely circulated and criticized among Hmong communities around the world, especially after a Hmong TV channel in the United States picked up the issue. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Hmong are living in the US, 150,000 in Thailand, and 460,000 in Laos.

“The Association of Hmong and the brothers and sisters of Hmong in Thailand and other countries hereby request Somkiat, the members of Nok Lae band, and the talk show hosts who said those remarks to apologize publicly to the Hmong communities,” the statement says. “We also request all relevant groups, both state and private, to take responsibility for the incident … and find measures to prevent such incident from happening again in the future.”

Khaosod daily reported that Somkiat has apologized for his “reckless” remark and said that he never intended to offend the Hmong. Channel 3 has not yet publicly commented on the issue.

Surapong Kongchantuk, the official in charge of minority rights at the Lawyers Council of Thailand, told Khoasod he is deeply disappointed to see the founder of Nok Lae band spread false stereotypes about the ethnic group that inspired his musical career.

“Nok Lae, a band that reflects the spirit of tribal children, should have understood the ethnic group, but it ends up making fun of them,” Surapong said. “Concerning racist remarks toward ethnic groups, people should exercise caution when they speak, because, as they can see, wars in many places around the world happened because of lack of acceptance and understanding about ethnic groups,” according to the daily.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/hmong-association-condemns-channel-3-tv-show-insulting-race

-- Thai PBS 2015-02-06

[kotsak]

Dirty Harry should deal with that

[Bluespunk]

"Channel 3 has not yet publicly commented on the issue."

There's a surprise.

[jaltsc]

"The Association of Hmong in Thailand has condemned a talk show on Channel 3 that it says aired inflammatory comments about the ethnic group."

What? The Hmongs can't sue the station for defamation. Or, is that legal option only available for those who consider themselves, and are considered by the legal system to be superior to everyone else? I would love to put in my two cents about the station, but I would be sued and have to pay millions. TIT

Edited February 6, 2015 by jaltsc

[toybits]

Not surprised at all. This is par for the course - or if I may the "Status Quo" about how the locals feel about cultural minorities. Truly Saaaad!!! and Truly Shameful!!!

[iReason]

A Major component of Thainess on grand display.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Channel 3, a powerhouse of white skinned Thai who look down on anybody from outside the Bangkok white elite. What a surprise...

There was TV show a while ago called "Powa Dam". Not sure if it still on or if it ran on Ch.3, but that show did the same.

Stereotyped non-ivory skinned people as stupid and backward.

[lildragon]

Channel 3, a powerhouse of white skinned Thai who look down on anybody from outside the Bangkok white elite. What a surprise...

There was TV show a while ago called "Powa Dam". Not sure if it still on or if it ran on Ch.3, but that show did the same.

Stereotyped non-ivory skinned people as stupid and backward.

I can't stand Thai tv, is channel 3 the one with allow the la korns about filthy rich, plastic looking, high sos And their guns and cars? Or is that just most Of the channels showing that mind numbing tripe?

[aussieinthailand]

Hey guy's why stop at the tv station?,, there's plenty of TV posters out there doing the very same thing, which some would call bigoted, racist, Xenophobic,,,, and not just to the Hmong, people from Loa also (Issan) saying thigs like,,,,,,,,,,,, red, dirty, uneducated, Buffalos, Issan people, C'mon don't be shy, you know who you are, put your hands up and bash away on your note books with this stuff, Try showing some intestinal fortitude and admit it, the silence is deafening.

[bitcoinbob]

simple BOYCOTT channel 3- that is how you get results

[dragonfly94]

ohh dear what next black man mops in the firing line? I like the non pc aspect of Thailand, Ch 3 should tell the hill people to <deleted> off if they don't like their culture celebrated by anyone else, do they have a copyright on clothes, no. Everyone knows it's the French who never have baths!

[rasmus5150]

Hey guy's why stop at the tv station?,, there's plenty of TV posters out there doing the very same thing, which some would call bigoted, racist, Xenophobic,,,, and not just to the Hmong, people from Loa also (Issan) saying thigs like,,,,,,,,,,,, red, dirty, uneducated, Buffalos, Issan people, C'mon don't be shy, you know who you are, put your hands up and bash away on your note books with this stuff, Try showing some intestinal fortitude and admit it, the silence is deafening.

I will be the first to admit, that I called them all of the above, and then some. They hijacked my city of residence, for several months and threatened to burn it to the ground. I called PAD and the yellows many bad things as well, when they invaded the airport.

[bobmac10]

Run by a Chinese a Filipino and an Aussie!

[chondan]

Been here since the 70's Hmong people were the best Thais back then.

[asdecas]

Been here since the 70's Hmong people were the best Thais back then.

Indeed, a very proud people with much to be proud about. Sad to see Thai commercialism take cheap shots at a demographically weaker people, but not unexpected - it happens all the time right here in these pages.

[MaiChai]

Can we assume at least 200,000 hmong bathe regularly?

Seriously, is this important? People living up a remote hillside may not have all modern conveniences such as running water and electricity?

[Johpa]

simple BOYCOTT channel 3- that is how you get results

Don't know about results, but if you are married to a Thai woman then finding a way to block Channel 3 is a clear pathway to increased sanity and improved overall mental health for the planet.

Can we assume at least 200,000 hmong bathe regularly?

Seriously, is this important? People living up a remote hillside may not have all modern conveniences such as running water and electricity?

Perhaps you haven't visited a Hmong village in quite awhile. May I suggest visiting a Hmong village up north next year during the Hmong New Year celebrations, but do beware the local home brew corn whiskey. Or just go take a day trip to the Mon Chaem resort above Mae Rim and pass through any of the neighboring Hmong villages and take note that most Hmong villages today are neither isolated nor lacking in modern conveniences.

[chongtak]

Are there laws against racism in Thailand? Probably not according to the behaviour of many Thai citizens.

[ratcatcher]

An Asian (Thai) taking flack from an Asian ( Thai-Hmong). I would hate to think what all the Irish, Scottish, English and Welsh and let's not forget the Newfies, would do if their jokes were all foolishly labeled as "RACIST". Just about every nation has had jokes made about them. Sensitive little bunch these Hmong.

Maybe a bit of an ethnic piss take but sure as hell not racism.

Example.

Why are they putting Englishmen at the bottom of the ocean?
They found out that deep down, they’re really not so bad.

[mikemac]

My wife and I deal with Hmong people on a regular basis, they supply a lot of the fabric related products we sell on our website, blankets, bags, purses etc.

We find them very good people to deal with and have found them to be honest and hardworking. And they dress well, never found them to be lacking in cleanliness or smelling like they need a bath.

As opposed to some of the fat, sweaty, wife-beater clad farangs you find yourself sitting next to at times.

[mikemac]

Are there laws against racism in Thailand? Probably not according to the behaviour of many Thai citizens.

Lucky for us there are no racist foreigners living in Thailand !

Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was riddled with racist comments attacking say, the Thai people ?

[chooka]

This is a good opportunity for the P.M to step in and show that he truly does want to unite all Thailand and bring happiness to all. Drag these entertainers and chanel 3 staff off for Attitude adjustments and then send them out to embrace the Hmong and show the love. Bring happiness to all P.M.

Edited February 7, 2015 by chooka

[harada]

Run by a Chinese a Filipino and an Aussie!

Ah good no Poms or Yanks. Edited February 8, 2015 by harada

[DM07]

Are there laws against racism in Thailand? Probably not according to the behaviour of many Thai citizens.

Lucky for us there are no racist foreigners living in Thailand !

Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was riddled with racist comments attacking say, the Thai people ?

Says the guy, who just moments before that comment made some extremely negative comments about farang.

Get of your high- horse and pretend to be Thai'er than Thai, will ya'?

[taony]

Channel 3 is the one that still brags about being in color in their jingle right?

[mikemac]

Are there laws against racism in Thailand? Probably not according to the behaviour of many Thai citizens.

Lucky for us there are no racist foreigners living in Thailand !

Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was riddled with racist comments attacking say, the Thai people ?

Says the guy, who just moments before that comment made some extremely negative comments about farang.

Get of your high- horse and pretend to be Thai'er than Thai, will ya'?

I can say what I like about farangs, as I am a farang myself.

And if you read the earlier comment I posted, carefully, you will find I did not make extremely negative comments ??? about farangs in general, just the ones who smell like pole cats.

I think you are the one sitting on a high horse, giddy-up cowboy.

If not liking Thai bashers is a crime, then I plead guilty.

[scorecard]

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Are there laws against racism in Thailand? Probably not according to the behaviour of many Thai citizens.

Lucky for us there are no racist foreigners living in Thailand !

Can you imagine what this forum would be like if it was riddled with racist comments attacking say, the Thai people ? alt=whistling.gif>

Says the guy, who just moments before that comment made some extremely negative comments about farang.

Get of your high- horse and pretend to be Thai'er than Thai, will ya'?

I can say what I like about farangs, as I am a farang myself. alt=clap2.gif>

And if you read the earlier comment I posted, carefully, you will find I did not make extremely negative comments ??? about farangs in general, just the ones who smell like pole cats.

I think you are the one sitting on a high horse, giddy-up cowboy. alt=biggrin.png>

If not liking Thai bashers is a crime, then I plead guilty.

I would add, I've lived in this wonderful country well over three decades, in that time I've come across quite a few farang who I would not allow to step inside my house and whom I would not wish to have any association with, for various reasons.

[mikemac]

This is a good opportunity for the P.M to step in and show that he truly does want to unite all Thailand and bring happiness to all. Drag these entertainers and chanel 3 staff off for Attitude adjustments and then send them out to embrace the Hmong and show the love. Bring happiness to all P.M.

+1 He would bring happiness to me if he publicly flogged all the people who appear on of those stupid "variety" shows, although my wife and son would probably be shattered. (except for Tukki, I like her)

And those soaps, flog them as well, especially those nasty hi-so types who are always snarling and screaming.

There, I feel better already just thinking about the floggings.