Struggling to understand 'Thai-ness' and 'Thai Culture'?

Don't worry, you're not alone. While everything seems smooth and friendly at first, after a few months the gap between official cultural policies and everyday life becomes more visible.

Thailand is not really the country aiming to come to terms with its past. National policies on Thai culture stem from a military dictator (Plaek Pibulsonggram) who much admired Hitler's and Mussolini's racist and nationalist world views, and no government since the 1950s tried the least attempt to get over this stigma. On the contrary, you can watch numerous nationalist TV spots even today on any Thai TV channel -- obedience is just too tempting for people "who come, make money, and go", as Thais describe their governments.

Behavioral rules for acting in public on the one hand, and private behavior of Thai people on the other, seem to come from different planets. While HM the King obviously has a semi-divine status in Thailand with his images appearing almost anywhere, nobody seems to listen when he speaks on TV, however. While everybody tells you that Thais prefer serious dresses, a look at student uniforms makes you wonder how serious Lolita outfits are.

The western understanding of culture as an end-product of a society can't help in understanding Thailand. National identity in western countries developed throughout history. US citizens are coined by, for example, Boston Tea Party and Declaration of Independence, the Germans by beginning World War I and II and then turning to architects of a democratic and peaceful Europe, the French by the French Revolution and the fight against the Nazis, and so on. Historic development made human rights, gender equality, and the minoritie' right to protection the foundation stones of modern western cultures. Not so in Thailand.

In Thailand, national identity of the people is man-made. National cultural policies give the Thai people a national identity that is implemented by pervasive civic education: Schools, for example, focus on good citizenship, discipline, and smooth integration into Thai society -- thus producing graduates who can sing the national anthem well but seriously lack critical and creative thinking skills.

There are very few journalists willing to report on these sensible topics, and there are even fewer newspapers willing to publish their opinions. Below you find some articles written by Stephen Cleary, columnist of The Nation, who gave his friendly permission to publish his works here. You find more of his articles (and the un-edited versions of the articles below) in Thai Blogs.

You will resolve several miracles of understanding Thai culture. Enjoy!

	Cultural crusaders need a history lesson A few days back, while browsing through a Thai-language newspaper, I was startled to read a sensationalist report on teenage pregnancy: "According to a world survey, Thailand ranks fifth in the world", it read. Of course, this was complete baloney, but it seemed the article was headed straight in one direction - how Western culture was to blame for it all. How wrong they are. Read more...
	Discrimination's many faces in Thai society Just last week the nation woke up to shocking Thai-language newspaper headlines along the lines of "Sexy skimpy-uniform-wearing girls smoking cigarettes at Wat Pho!" The story went that Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon, upon receiving a tip-off, headed to the revered temple to witness for herself the horrendous sight of five naughty young women wearing saucy-looking uniforms with their belly-buttons poking out while supposedly flirting with foreign tourists. Read more...
	Don't panic, the kids are all right after all Excuse me for saying it, but it's far from a secret that most educators place no value whatsoever on critical thinking and keeping an open mind. From the first grade, students are taught to "repeat after me", recite a few sums, and believe every word that comes out of their teachers' mouths in quiet obedience. Read more...
	'Coyote' training starts right from the cradle There seems to have been a whole load of fanfare recently about Thailand's latest craze - coyote dancers - and whether the authorities in charge ought to pump up the legal age for such "pretty girls" to 20, or just ban them altogether. It could be argued though that looking naughty, acting flirtatiously and wearing skimpy revealing clothes is now as ingrained in modern Thai society as the dreaded TV game show. Read more...
	Not all mums are worth the 'krieng jai' Well, another Mother's Day has passed again - a joyous time of the year during which we are all inundated with media reports and stories on the unconditional love between mother and child. It's a splendid occasion for all kids to reflect upon the immense gratitude that they ought to hold for their mothers, regardless of whether their mums have done little for them besides giving birth and stuffing a milk bottle in their mouths shortly thereafter. Read more...
	Completely Confusing Censorship!–The Nation Thailand, famed for its magical temples, white sandy beaches, spicy papaya salad and notorious airport taxi drivers is also creating a huge name for itself in the field of censorship. Without a doubt, most folk must have been completely bewildered at times, at just what can and can not be shown on Thai television, movies and in magazines. Read more...

Back to articles