Midweek rant: The conflict of compromise and accountability

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Midweek rant: The conflict of compromise and accountability

 

 
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One of the things that the Thais pride themselves on has become a public millstone around their necks.

 

It is the ability to find a compromise.

 

On first coming to Thailand it was always heartening to see the Thais’ ability to interpret the law.

 

At first glance it seemed better than some rigid notion from the West.

 

There always seemed so much wriggle room and, perhaps in a blessed state of rose tinted naivety, one thought this was a national trait to be proud of.

 

I still do to a certain extent but those initial days of youthful optimism have now been replaced with more heard hearted realism.

 

Because compromise often leads to a complete lack of justice with particularly the weaker and less influential members of society on the receiving end.

 

And ultimately what began as a worthy spirit of compromise – seeing both sides of a conflict perhaps satisfying a mutual satisfaction for a semblance of justice as well as face - leads inexorably to just one inevitable and unwanted conclusion: An utter lack of accountability.

 

How often do we see in high profile news stories where officialdom is not held accountable for their illegal and negligent actions?

 

That is rather a rhetorical question – countless fires, boat accidents, building collapses and the like have largely gone unpunished.

 

Corruption is one thing – but hiding behind a veil of compromise as if this is a human virtue to be cherished above the rule of law is quite another.

 

It lends a kind of legitimacy to the result of cases and is fed to the public like cake.

 

And leaves victims in a limbo where social mores seem to have been given priority while the law is merely paid lip service.

 

Last week’s case of a gun toting cop threatening bank staff who came to repossess a car is a clear case in point.

 

Despite ridiculous claims of extenuating circumstances the actions of the cop, a supposed upholder of the law, were threatening in the extreme and left the leasing employees scared and bewildered.

 

Not only should the cop have been stripped of his job but there should be no doubt what awaits people who do this kind of thing – jail.

 

There is no need for an inactive posting and an investigation. He needs to be locked up.

 

But what do we see instead?

 

Talk of a prosecution, yes, but the whole case then becomes muddied by compromise.

 

The wife – who shouldn’t be part of what her husband did – goes on TV then shakes hands with the bank staff.

 

The smokescreen of luvvy-duvvy compromise with handshakes all round tells everyone that a supposedly satisfactory solution has been found.

 

The Thais have done it their way again and the whole world can rejoice!

 

Who leaned on who is irrelevant.

 

What matters is that by inference a man who should uphold the law is seen as somehow innocent for brandishing a gun at people doing their jobs in a lawful manner.

 

The employees of the bank are left to wonder what will happen to them next time. For there will certainly be a next time if people are allowed to get away with such scandalous behavior.

 

Maybe they will be shot….and the compromise will be a payment of 20,000 to help with funeral expenses.

 

No justice was served in the case – either for the bank staff or the interests of the public at large.

 

No one was held accountable and compromise was seen as somehow triumphing over evil.

 

The police can talk all they want about the law running its course – it is almost a euphemism for letting time run its course until everyone has forgotten what happened.

 

Then we had the tragic case of the four year old girl falling down the drain while playing at a housing estate south of Bangkok.

 

It was heart wrenching to see the hapless little child step on some flimsy sticks and fall to her death on CCTV.

 

Where will be the justice for Yosita and her grieving family?

 

Just like countless negligence cases before and doubtless after one fears there will be none.

 

The case will get lost in a mire of compromise and lack of accountability as the authorities who acted so negligently in leaving the drain open find excuses. And effectively are allowed to hide behind incompetence.

 

For what – for face and dignity. Where is the dignity for a little girl who should be protected?

 

Hiding behind a curtain of lack of funds is no good. Any right minded person knows that you need to cover a drain – especially in places where children might be playing.

 

It is basic common sense.

 

And what is the cost in some sturdy wood and a few bricks before the cover is properly repaired as was promised.

 

Not a lot – certainly worth a lovely little girl’s life.

 

Those concerned should already have been charged and held. And not just the workman. But their bosses right up to the top.

 

But no one will hold their breath on that.

 

The wais will come out, the forgiveness will be offered along with a paltry sum and everyone will go home.

 

There will be pictures for the press as everyone slaps themselves on the back for the Thai way of doing things.

 

Foreigners may look on aghast – but foreigners don’t understand our ways….

 

But Yosita will still be dead – there will be no justice for her. Who doesn’t grasp that conclusion?

 

And what is the inevitable consequence of this compromise and lack of accountability.

 

It will just be repeated, again and again.

 

Because just like a schoolboy is not cowed by a teacher who threatens without applying sanction, a body of laws that exist without implementation are toothless and will make no one bother to obey them.

 

Time and again compromise, the wai, the graap, forgiveness – noble tenets of Thai culture are used as tools of subjugation and injustice.

 

The time has come for the law to be applied.

 

The time has come for some Thai smiles to be replace by a sterner visage.

 

The time is well overdue for accountability.

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2017-05-17

[canuckamuck]

Absolutely! Integrity, discipline, diligence, and honesty. These things are admired by everyone as they are the great equalizers, the vehicles of fairness, justice, and unity. But Thailand believes strongly in inequality. It is the foundation of all their interactions. As long as Thailand embraces their complicated class system they will have to stumble and compromise. 

No I am not a socialist.

[maewang99]

50 minutes ago, canuckamuck said:

Absolutely! Integrity, discipline, diligence, and honesty. These things are admired by everyone as they are the great equalizers, the vehicles of fairness, justice, and unity. But Thailand believes strongly in inequality. It is the foundation of all their interactions. As long as Thailand embraces their complicated class system they will have to stumble and compromise. 

No I am not a socialist.

are these things you learn by sleeping, eating, xxxxxxx and xxxxxxx and discussing these with your buds?

 

or maybe you acquire them from having a few of your friends and family, as well as yourself sometimes, SOCIALLY CONNECTED with the rest of us????

a social activity that is also a 4 letter word.... where we share not only what we see and hear and touch but.... stuff like the passage of time, integrity..... disciple because of what it can mean to your life and others.... not just some nonsense mom, dad or The Ajarn told you to do.....  and that 4 letter word is read.

that is how we sapiens connect.... can be a smartphone... but it sure ain't gonna be any stuff that you can get for 'free' on a smartphone unless someone is breaking IP...  because that's the way it works. 

 

the only thing that makes us different from cows, pigs and Neanderthals. 

 

'student' is an abstract thing as well.... unless you can make it non abstract. how to do that? make 'them' wear a uniform. presto bingo. something you can see. aha! 

 

but actually..... if you EVER stop being a student... you NEVER WERE a student....... even.... if.... you.... wore..... a...... uniform.

 

[canuckamuck]

30 minutes ago, maewang99 said:

are these things you learn by sleeping, eating, xxxxxxx and xxxxxxx and discussing these 4 items with your buds? NONE of whom do anything other than the EXACT SAME 4 activities...

or ****maybe**** (?) these are the kind of abstract things that you need to acquire a detailed appreciation of IN YOUR GUT over a long period of time from at least a few of your friends and family, as well as yourself sometimes..... who are SOCIALLY CONNECTED with the rest of our species?

 

I often have trouble understanding your posts. I think you know what you are saying, but you often don't say it.

That being said, I think my post was fairly clear. I was blaming the failure to uniformly apply the law on the class system. Which is a major stumbling block here. There needs to be equality under the law, but it cannot be allowed here. As long as wealth or connections equals immunity. what chance is there for rule of law.

[Fulwell53]

1 hour ago, canuckamuck said:

I often have trouble understanding your posts. I think you know what you are saying, but you often don't say it.

That being said, I think my post was fairly clear. I was blaming the failure to uniformly apply the law on the class system. Which is a major stumbling block here. There needs to be equality under the law, but it cannot be allowed here. As long as wealth or connections equals immunity. what chance is there for rule of law.

No you were clearly blaming thais for ' Believing in inequality ' and that it is the basis of all interaction'.

Were it not for people on here being so sensitive I would suggest your post was the epitome of racial stereotyping. But I wont.

I See so many threads and posts on this forum that attribute the very worst of human traits on ALL thais . They are a disgrace and clearly the view of those that havent done a skerrick of research or who rarely interact ( above the superficial) with normal thai people. But everyone is entitled to an opinion regardless of how they come about it despite no evidence.

BTW not all thai people work in go go bars or drive motorcycle taxis. Truly.

[robblok]

15 minutes ago, Fulwell53 said:

No you were clearly blaming thais for ' Believing in inequality ' and that it is the basis of all interaction'.

Were it not for people on here being so sensitive I would suggest your post was the epitome of racial stereotyping. But I wont.

I See so many threads and posts on this forum that attribute the very worst of human traits on ALL thais . They are a disgrace and clearly the view of those that havent done a skerrick of research or who rarely interact ( above the superficial) with normal thai people. But everyone is entitled to an opinion regardless of how they come about it despite no evidence.

BTW not all thai people work in go go bars or drive motorcycle taxis. Truly.

Its much easier to attribute all bad things to Thais than to use a brain plus one feels much more superior when you can bash someone. Just look at the article about the Brits 4 caught stealing.. first thing all the Brits the forum did was saying they are not true Brits they are black (not caring how long they have been in the UK how many generations and that there was a white Brit too). Its so much easier to put everyone down when your not part of the group that is put down. 

 

There is good and bad everywhere, some traits do occur more in certain nationalities then others but that does not mean all of them are like that. For instance Dutch people are the tallest in the world.. but I am just 180 cm, anyway.. i too get tired of all the Thai bashing.  

 

Though it can't be denied that officials here often don't care at all about accidents like this and take no action because it cost money. Same with punishment here of the higher ups it often does not happen. These are things that are far more common here then in the west. There are things you can bash the Thais for this is one of them.. does not mean they are all like this. I had a discussion like this yesterday with a Thai friend she hate these things too that happen here. 

[Bob12345]

14 minutes ago, robblok said:

Its much easier to attribute all bad things to Thais than to use a brain plus one feels much more superior when you can bash someone. Just look at the article about the Brits 4 caught stealing.. first thing all the Brits the forum did was saying they are not true Brits they are black (not caring how long they have been in the UK how many generations and that there was a white Brit too). Its so much easier to put everyone down when your not part of the group that is put down. 

Wait a minute, you are now saying that ALL the brits on the forum did that?

Isn't that exactly what you are condemning people do here, talk about ALL the Thais based on a the actions of a few?

 

Point in case is that Thai society is structured in such a way that supports inequality.

It is not about right or wrong, it is about who you are, who you know, and how much money you have.

Many Thais think this is an acceptable way because this is how things work since they were born. 

You don't talk back to your parents, even if they are wrong.

You don't talk back to your teachers, even if they are wrong.

You don't talk back to your bosses, even if they are wrong.

And as soon as you are rich enough, nobody talks back to you anymore no matter if you are right or wrong.

 

[smutcakes]

Many laws in Thailand appear designed to be ambiguous. The ambiguous and grey nature of many of the laws allows ample room for interpretation for any of those engaged in upholding the laws.

 

How those charged with upholding the laws interpret those law depends on who is asking and how one can be incentivized to interpret one way over the other.

 

Its ambiguous wording allows exactly what its been designed to do. Its ambiguous wording also makes it difficult to find fault with interpretation, as after all it is only interpretation.

 

 

[robblok]

37 minutes ago, Bob12345 said:

Wait a minute, you are now saying that ALL the brits on the forum did that?

Isn't that exactly what you are condemning people do here, talk about ALL the Thais based on a the actions of a few?

 

Point in case is that Thai society is structured in such a way that supports inequality.

It is not about right or wrong, it is about who you are, who you know, and how much money you have.

Many Thais think this is an acceptable way because this is how things work since they were born. 

You don't talk back to your parents, even if they are wrong.

You don't talk back to your teachers, even if they are wrong.

You don't talk back to your bosses, even if they are wrong.

And as soon as you are rich enough, nobody talks back to you anymore no matter if you are right or wrong.

 

Yes I did the same thing, see how annoying it is judging all because of the action of a few. I had hoped someone would comment on it. Though it was not a few Brits in that topic.. might actually have been a majority. But its a bit hard to check. Point it it feels bad to judge all over actions not taken by all. 

 

What you are saying goes for many Thais not all.. its indeed a thing that is more prevalent here.. but certainly not for all. 

[YetAnother]

the 'some-but-not-all' argument can be used almost always

[Stargeezr]

.I liked the mid week rant, and I have to say that I agree that if you are wealthy in Thailand you are

treated differently than if you are poor, Talking about the Thai people rich or poor. I noticed during

my visits that there are quite a few Brits that are expats living in Thailand, and seeing the story of the

4 so called, who are thieves stealing a costly drone, I see why so many real Brits do live in Thailand.

  I think that Britain is being taken over by Europeans and Africans who get a passport and then leave

the Island to be thieves somewhere else. Unfortunately it happens in Canada

and the USA as well. That is multiculturalism , and low quality immigrants, and

ungrateful refugees. Just my opinion of course.  My mid week grousing..

Geezer

[seajae]

seems the author of this while quite correct is doing the same thing they were bagging everyone else for just the other week, saying negative things about thais. Doesnt matter how much we talk about this sort of thing happening, until the govt actually does something about it as well as  the police start to uphold the law it will not change, after all, we cant have people losing face or rich people having to apologize and pay restitution let alone do actual jail time for their actions/lack of them can we

[TKDfella]

I am no historian but it seems to me that many countries have been through a 'double standard' law at some time or other. As an Englishman I appreciate what women had to do to get the vote, and the long established tradition of being 'man of the cloth' has only recently become more flexible. But are we likely to see a lady Pope? In Thailand women are second class by the Buddhist tradition so there can never be 'equality' there.

Moral Laws and Justice are quite another thing. Was there in medieval times a British King who 'declared one law for all' or was it more like a desperate challenge by the masses that eventually achieved some form of equality under the law. I am not going to preach about the laws in Thailand one way or the other because those of us who been here a long time see what goes on. We all know that position and wealth in Thailand is 'king' but what really bothers me is the apparent lack of effort to get it sorted out. Sometimes I wonder if the ordinary person even cares! When I point various items of news to some they seem totally unaware and it is almost as if that as long as they can have their parties, booze etc., tomorrow isn't given a thought.

As for the Wai and the expression of being sorry, it seems like almost a confession of sins the difference being that everyone, including the police, put value on it. While in Christian religion, one can receive 'absolution' but is seen as being totally separate. But 'spiritually' speaking, are or do they amount to same thing? Since I am not religious and do not follow Buddhism etc. I see both as being without value.  

[Bob12345]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

Yes I did the same thing, see how annoying it is judging all because of the action of a few. I had hoped someone would comment on it. Though it was not a few Brits in that topic.. might actually have been a majority. But its a bit hard to check. Point it it feels bad to judge all over actions not taken by all. 

 

What you are saying goes for many Thais not all.. its indeed a thing that is more prevalent here.. but certainly not for all. 

It does not annoy me at all, i just wanted to point out the hypocracy you displayed (which you now say is intentional and i believe you).

 

When people react in ways like "Thais do not care about the truth" or "Thais prefer money over justice" it is clear not ALL thais feel that way but it would be silly to say it is the opinion of a few in this country.

We see the same things happening over and over again, the same accidents followed by the same announcements how the accidents will be avoided from here onwards followed by no action and everything repeating itself.

 

The case of the stealing Brits is completely different in my opinion.

It is not a British "way of life" to steal. That does not mean Brits never steal, but it means those who do are generally condemned for it by the majority of the population.

 

In Thailand its different, the "general population" does not want a fact-finding commission putting blame on one person for the death of a kid falling in a well.

They are happy that apologies were made and money changed hands, and for them thats the end of it.

This has to do with the way society works here and in the back of their heads they all know they made mistakes in the past that could land them in trouble also in the future, so better not rock the boat while you are still in it.

 

And thats what the article is about.

[robblok]

9 minutes ago, Bob12345 said:

It does not annoy me at all, i just wanted to point out the hypocracy you displayed (which you now say is intentional and i believe you).

 

When people react in ways like "Thais do not care about the truth" or "Thais prefer money over justice" it is clear not ALL thais feel that way but it would be silly to say it is the opinion of a few in this country.

We see the same things happening over and over again, the same accidents followed by the same announcements how the accidents will be avoided from here onwards followed by no action and everything repeating itself.

 

The case of the stealing Brits is completely different in my opinion.

It is not a British "way of life" to steal. That does not mean Brits never steal, but it means those who do are generally condemned for it by the majority of the population.

 

In Thailand its different, the "general population" does not want a fact-finding commission putting blame on one person for the death of a kid falling in a well.

They are happy that apologies were made and money changed hands, and for them thats the end of it.

This has to do with the way society works here and in the back of their heads they all know they made mistakes in the past that could land them in trouble also in the future, so better not rock the boat while you are still in it.

 

And thats what the article is about.

I get what your saying.. but I don't agree with you. It has nothing to do with the majority not wanting it.. it has to too with that they have no power to make it happen. They know its hard to fight people in power. Maybe I just speak with different people then you do. The people who want the status as it is are the ones who benefit the most. 

 

The Brit example is more to see how people go out of their way to bash Thais and then when its one of their own (witch they quickly denied because they were black) they don't dish out the same comments. You see here Thai males shooting females for cheating ect.. and then its always the Thai males who are being bashed. I can assure you that Brits stealing is more common than Thai males shooting their wives / GFs  but still you see the same kind of comments.

 

I do agree that the points brought up here are certainly more common in Thailand than in the west. Anyway.. just get tired of the Thai Bashing at times here. 

[Bob12345]

36 minutes ago, TKDfella said:

We all know that position and wealth in Thailand is 'king' but what really bothers me is the apparent lack of effort to get it sorted out. Sometimes I wonder if the ordinary person even cares! When I point various items of news to some they seem totally unaware and it is almost as if that as long as they can have their parties, booze etc., tomorrow isn't given a thought.

I totally agree with you and I would guess one of the reasons people seem to show a lack of effort to sort it out or show any care about it is simply because they have been in this system since birth and have lost faith it can be done differently.

 

We all remember when we first arrived in Thailand and took active interest in not only the small things around us but also the things happening on a national scale; like politics. But time and time again the same things happen and nothing changes, no matter how many stars the guy making the announcement has on his shoulder when he poses for the pictures in front of the banner promising things will get better. After a few coups and traffic enforcement announcement that produced nothing we become insensitive to the message and give up hope. Why be bothered by things you cannot change if you can also spend time enjoying life and making sure you have your party and booze?

 

For us foreigners its a bit different because we have our roots in the west and know from seeing with our own eyes things can be done better and justice is possible. I assume we all hope Thailand will become a better country as a whole more similar to the west with respect to law enforcement, safety, and responsibility. But since we are outside of the system we can only watch how the Thai population takes tiny steps that result in nothing, and try not to lose hope by posting with like-minded people on this forum.

[robblok]

Just now, Bob12345 said:

I totally agree with you and I would guess one of the reasons people seem to show a lack of effort to sort it out or show any care about it is simply because they have been in this system since birth and have lost faith it can be done differently.

 

We all remember when we first arrived in Thailand and took active interest in not only the small things around us but also the things happening on a national scale; like politics. But time and time again the same things happen and nothing changes, no matter how many stars the guy making the announcement has on his shoulder when he poses for the pictures in front of the banner promising things will get better. After a few coups and traffic enforcement announcement that produced nothing we become insensitive to the message and give up hope. Why be bothered by things you cannot change if you can also spend time enjoying life and making sure you have your party and booze?

 

For us foreigners its a bit different because we have our roots in the west and know from seeing with our own eyes things can be done better and justice is possible. I assume we all hope Thailand will become a better country as a whole more similar to the west with respect to law enforcement, safety, and responsibility. But since we are outside of the system we can only watch how the Thai population takes tiny steps that result in nothing, and try not to lose hope by posting with like-minded people on this forum.

 

Great point

[Bob12345]

17 minutes ago, robblok said:

I get what your saying.. but I don't agree with you. It has nothing to do with the majority not wanting it.. it has to too with that they have no power to make it happen. They know its hard to fight people in power. Maybe I just speak with different people then you do. The people who want the status as it is are the ones who benefit the most. 

I agree with you but I see Thai society maybe as having more "layers" of power than you are now thinking of.

It is easy to see the rich elite doing whatever they want and never being called out for it unless the international media points out the injustive done and the wheels of justice start moving in the lowest gear possible. It is easy to speak out against this and demand justice to be done. But similar things are happening at every level in society, where people who belong to a slightly higher level of status misuse their powers also.

 

It is the mid-level manager making 45K a month who has nothing to tell on a national level and says to be against bribery and injustice who also demands his subordinates to never disagree with him and who pulls out a quick 200-baht when a traffic cop points out his breaklight does not work. He hates it that the people above him do not take responsibility and find ways to avoid justice, but he does it himself in a similar way only on a smaller scale. And the people working for him don't like him doing it, but they also misuse the intern who on his term will misuse a shop assistant who will misuse her cleaning lady.

 

It always reminds me of that Bangkok post poll where a majority of Thai people indicated to have no problems with bribery as long as they also profited from it. 

Everybody joins in at their own level of power, and they are so accustomed to it they rather do not see that disappear either.

The first thing Thais do when they meet new people is establish a ranking, who will be the "pee" and who will be the "nong"?

Will it be based on age, on job title, on family capital, or on the gun you carry?

Only once you know everybodies status you can proceed.

 

 

[elgordo38]

Blisteringly hot topic to hot to comment on. 

[Black arab]

Fair play to you guys who have been here a while now , facinating insight  on this thread  interesting read

[MaxLee]

In a country in which the ruling elites are fighting for saving face, don't expect any changes sooner or later


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[55Jay]

I've been traveling, working/living overseas for most of my adult life, so Thailand was just another somewhat backward, "ancient but developing country".  Same same but different.

 

Recycled OPs like this remind me that I'm blessed not having to work here, and thus don't have to smile and pretend like I give a shit. 

 

[canuckamuck]

9 hours ago, Fulwell53 said:

No you were clearly blaming thais for ' Believing in inequality ' and that it is the basis of all interaction'.

Were it not for people on here being so sensitive I would suggest your post was the epitome of racial stereotyping. But I wont.

I See so many threads and posts on this forum that attribute the very worst of human traits on ALL thais . They are a disgrace and clearly the view of those that havent done a skerrick of research or who rarely interact ( above the superficial) with normal thai people. But everyone is entitled to an opinion regardless of how they come about it despite no evidence.

BTW not all thai people work in go go bars or drive motorcycle taxis. Truly.

I am not blaming them for believing in inequality. It is not a matter of blame, it is certainly not a race issue, it is a cultural observation;  like Canadians get excited over hockey fights, Tim Horton's coffee, and apologize too much (sorry). It's the culture.

Inequality is at play in every Thai interaction. They are constantly aware of their position in any relationship, whether they are Pee or Nong. Who's the Po Yai in the room? He's the one with making condescending remarks, acting like his poo effluviates clouds of jasmine, while people are snapping to with hasty wais. And then behold the transformation when a superior by several levels of class enters the scene.

This is an embrace of inequality and it effects all aspects of Thai life. It is privilege and entitlement.

Go ahead and call it a Thai bash. Keep Thailand the way you wish it to be. But we all see it  here every day. 

[TPI]

10 hours ago, Fulwell53 said:

No you were clearly blaming thais for ' Believing in inequality ' and that it is the basis of all interaction'.

Were it not for people on here being so sensitive I would suggest your post was the epitome of racial stereotyping. But I wont.

I See so many threads and posts on this forum that attribute the very worst of human traits on ALL thais . They are a disgrace and clearly the view of those that havent done a skerrick of research or who rarely interact ( above the superficial) with normal thai people. But everyone is entitled to an opinion regardless of how they come about it despite no evidence.

BTW not all thai people work in go go bars or drive motorcycle taxis. Truly.

Now brother this what he meant.....Obviously you haven't been here long, this isn't a critisism merely an observation. The Thai people have never recovered from the coup of 1932, they still cling to "Kreng Jai" which doesn't mean "consideration", it means bowing down to a person or thing that will probably be socially superior to you, the individual. The Thai's had earlier invented a kind of aristocracy by the use of a system called "Sakdina", this system, which was outlawed in 1932 but was conviently never removed, Instructed all Thai's as to their place in the world, it was said that Thai's would be happier if they had a number stamped on their forehead when they were born so that they would automatically know who was superior to the them when they met others. It also put in place a system where some people were above the law, poo yai's if you will, Generals, Admirals, high ranking Police, members of the "elite" , basically anyone who, via patronage, could give you a social or economic "leg up"

 

Thai's have never, ever believed in "Equality" the very concept is Western and alien to their society. You should have left your Western notions of democracy and fairness at the airport when you arrived on your "Angel Wings"!!!  

[ELVIS123456]

I am not saying this to be political or start an argument, but the recent issues in USA whereby a candidate for POTUS used illegal email servers for classified message, but was not even charged, shows that it is not only in Thailand where the elite can get away with things that others cant.  Not so long ago a POTUS was also not charged/impeached for behavior that in most countries would be deemed as sexual harassment (Boss engaging is sex with a Junior employee). 

 

In Thailand, like in most Asian cultures, the provision of a 'token gift' (bribe) has been the way of life for a long long time - as it was in many European countries only a few hundred years ago. Thailand is no better or worse than China or Japan - in fact it is better in some regards and worse in others.

 

Nice rant though - but it did come across as a little bigoted to me (eg. the Thai way of doing things) .

 

[Dumbastheycome]

9 hours ago, elgordo38 said:

Blisteringly hot topic to hot to comment on. 

Awww.  Take  a stab  at  it  . lol

[elgordo38]

6 hours ago, TPI said:

Now brother this what he meant.....Obviously you haven't been here long, this isn't a critisism merely an observation. The Thai people have never recovered from the coup of 1932, they still cling to "Kreng Jai" which doesn't mean "consideration", it means bowing down to a person or thing that will probably be socially superior to you, the individual. The Thai's had earlier invented a kind of aristocracy by the use of a system called "Sakdina", this system, which was outlawed in 1932 but was conviently never removed, Instructed all Thai's as to their place in the world, it was said that Thai's would be happier if they had a number stamped on their forehead when they were born so that they would automatically know who was superior to the them when they met others. It also put in place a system where some people were above the law, poo yai's if you will, Generals, Admirals, high ranking Police, members of the "elite" , basically anyone who, via patronage, could give you a social or economic "leg up"

 

Thai's have never, ever believed in "Equality" the very concept is Western and alien to their society. You should have left your Western notions of democracy and fairness at the airport when you arrived on your "Angel Wings"!!!  

You got about 75% of my attention till the end. Equality is a hard thing to ditch or turn a blind eye to. I would say maybe just maybe 10 to 15% here have accomplished it. As we have been raised well under a sort of equality it is hard to take an eraser to it. It takes more than say 10 years of living here to undo something that has formed and percolated for decades in the west. That being said equality is fast disappearing there to. 

[Dumbastheycome]

17 hours ago, elgordo38 said:

You got about 75% of my attention till the end. Equality is a hard thing to ditch or turn a blind eye to. I would say maybe just maybe 10 to 15% here have accomplished it. As we have been raised well under a sort of equality it is hard to take an eraser to it. It takes more than say 10 years of living here to undo something that has formed and percolated for decades in the west. That being said equality is fast disappearing there to. 

Guessed  you   could/would.