Dec
07
Disrespecting Thailand
By Richard Barrow 
Thursday 7th December, 2006 | 367 words | Category: General | 30 feedbacks »
Anyone that has spent any amount of time in Thailand would know straight away what is so wrong about these pictures. For me these images are shocking and I almost didn't reproduce them here. However, I think it is important for anyone planning a trip to Thailand to understand how important the three pillars of Thai society are to the Thai people. namely: The King, The Religion and The Nation. As a guest in this country you must never show any form of disrespect to any of these three pillars.
These pictures were taken by university students who were visiting the country in the 1920's. Of course, we live in a different world these days and i would hope that most people are now culturally sensitive. However, I do remember when I first came here reading in the Lonely Planet of a group of backpackers who were arrested after taking their film to be developed. They had taken pictures of themselves in poses much the same as the one above. What must be understood, even if a Buddha image is old and in ruin, the Thai people still show the highest amount of respect. Please do the same when you are visiting temples.
Another story that I often heard when I first came here was of a passenger on a Thai Airways flight that said derogatory things about the royal family while the plane was in the air. Apparently the cabin crew radioed ahead and he was arrested as soon as he landed in Thailand. Now comes another story of a foreigner being arrested this week for spray painting over portraits of His Majesty the King. If convicted he could face up to 15 years in prison.
My advice to you is that if you are travelling in any foreign country, please do your utmost best to understand the local culture. There are plenty of websites about the culture and lifestyle in Thailand so before you come here for the first time then please make the effort and do some research.
The above picture was first posted on the excellent 2Bangkok.com website. The full story about the foreigner arrested this week can be read on thailandQA.com.
Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.
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30 comments
Comment from: Aphrael
Oh my! Even after years of living in
the States those pictures brought an
instant wince. Good message though. :)
the States those pictures brought an
instant wince. Good message though. :)
2006-12-08 @ 01:29
Comment from: bill king
Well put Richard.
Thais want to share their culture with visitors and they don't expect that much in return - just basic courtesy. It's a real pity that some tourists seem to let their manners take a holiday.
BTW: For any interested readers, www.thailandguidebook.com has a very good guide to respecting Thai culture.
Thais want to share their culture with visitors and they don't expect that much in return - just basic courtesy. It's a real pity that some tourists seem to let their manners take a holiday.
BTW: For any interested readers, www.thailandguidebook.com has a very good guide to respecting Thai culture.
2006-12-08 @ 07:15
Comment from: Jocelyn
Well, I know I shouldn't have leave this comment here.. Very sorry..
I just wanna ask about what are the usual practise of health in thailand. Are they (thais')usually refer to more traditional or more western medication.
And can I know where to search for this details? Thanks a lot for helping.
I just wanna ask about what are the usual practise of health in thailand. Are they (thais')usually refer to more traditional or more western medication.
And can I know where to search for this details? Thanks a lot for helping.
2006-12-08 @ 14:00
This is a message for anyone who has a question about Thailand that is not directly related to a blog:
Please post your questions on our forums where you will find a team of people ready to answer your question 24/7
http://www.ThailandQA.com
Thank you.
Please post your questions on our forums where you will find a team of people ready to answer your question 24/7
http://www.ThailandQA.com
Thank you.
2006-12-08 @ 15:38
Absolutely agree-when in Rome do as the Romans do-and with the internet there is no excuse for being ignorant of the culture of the country one is visiting.
2006-12-08 @ 18:36
Looks like the story about the foreigner arrested on the lese majeste charge is going to be buried. The Thai media have been asked not to print anything about this story. However, the request was too late for The Matichon who went to press this morning with a small headline about the foreigner who was arrested for defacing the King's portrait. If convicted he could face up to 15 years in prison. Although it might be OK for the story not to be reported in the local media, I think the international media, like this website, should report this news. The more people that realise how much the Thai people respect their King the better. This is not a respect out of fear of this law. It is a genuine respect that I feel myself. H.M. The King has done so much for his country. He deserves every inch of the respect he receives from his loyal subjects.
Long Live His Majesty The King.
p.s. Visit thaiphotoblogs.com if you want to see a picture of the foreigner.
Long Live His Majesty The King.
p.s. Visit thaiphotoblogs.com if you want to see a picture of the foreigner.
2006-12-08 @ 20:39
Anyone who knows of the huge amount of practical work His Majesty has done throughout His life to improve the quality of life for His poorest subjects cannot help but respect Him.
Long may He continue.
Long may He continue.
2006-12-08 @ 21:01
I think most tourists have read about Thailand and its culture before traveling to the country, but the problem with some of them is that they don't really understand how serious that is.
Several times, especially, issues related to the King, tourists do not understand how serious Thai view towards the Royal family and that visitors take it so lightly. They do not understand that Royals aren't equal Presidents in any form.
My motto for myself when visiting a forienge country is to respect their rules and cultures.
Several times, especially, issues related to the King, tourists do not understand how serious Thai view towards the Royal family and that visitors take it so lightly. They do not understand that Royals aren't equal Presidents in any form.
My motto for myself when visiting a forienge country is to respect their rules and cultures.
2006-12-08 @ 21:26
Comment from: Orwell
Doesn't anybody here have a problem with the fact that a nearly elderly man could be sent to prison for 15 years because he was caught spraypainting. Granted it was a hugely inadviseable and disrespectful course of action but surely should not merit incarceration.
I'm thinking that he will probably be deported but no real jail time served. Incarceration for such an offence is not in the best interest of showing the monarchy in a positive light internationally.
Anyway, was just surprised that in the feedback to this blog, which does give good advice to visitors, nobody commented on what seems to me to be an overly steep sentence.
I'm thinking that he will probably be deported but no real jail time served. Incarceration for such an offence is not in the best interest of showing the monarchy in a positive light internationally.
Anyway, was just surprised that in the feedback to this blog, which does give good advice to visitors, nobody commented on what seems to me to be an overly steep sentence.
2006-12-09 @ 07:44
I will be the first to respond to Orwell.
I understand your point. Maybe in this spray painting case isn't as severe to make someone does some jail times. However, from my perspective, you really don't want to do that when visiting someone's home, do you. Especially when the man is nearly elderly, shouldn't have he known better?
This case would have been slightly different to me if it was a teen who did so. We could have blamed it on an immaturity.
I understand your point. Maybe in this spray painting case isn't as severe to make someone does some jail times. However, from my perspective, you really don't want to do that when visiting someone's home, do you. Especially when the man is nearly elderly, shouldn't have he known better?
This case would have been slightly different to me if it was a teen who did so. We could have blamed it on an immaturity.
2006-12-09 @ 09:17
Richard, you said, "Although it might be OK for the story not to be reported in the local media..." Why do you think it is OK for the government to censor the press? Why do they not want the story printed? As much as I love living in Thailand, this is one area where I wish the country could do better. If the fact that spray painting the King's image is a crime, then they should publicize it so that people are educated about it. Of course every Thai person understands the situation, but perhaps foreigners living/visiting here don't understand the severity of the punishment. Fifteen years is a long time...
2006-12-09 @ 09:40
Comment from: Steve Suphan
The press hasn't just censored this lese majeste story because the criminal was a farang.
Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa has just been charged again for lese majeste, i think for the forth time now. (Most) of the local press haven't bothered printing this story too.
Ajarn Sulak has never been banged up in prison. Even though the law states possible long sentence, I very doubt if this crazy Swiss is really going to get done that much.
As in Romans do as the Romans do.
Perhaps this Swiss guy ought to do time behind bars - just for the stupidity!
Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa has just been charged again for lese majeste, i think for the forth time now. (Most) of the local press haven't bothered printing this story too.
Ajarn Sulak has never been banged up in prison. Even though the law states possible long sentence, I very doubt if this crazy Swiss is really going to get done that much.
As in Romans do as the Romans do.
Perhaps this Swiss guy ought to do time behind bars - just for the stupidity!
2006-12-09 @ 10:25
Of course I don't agree with censorship of the press however I can understand why they are doing it in this case. Like Steve hinted at, most cases of lese majeste don't get much publicity because they want to minimize the amount of disrespect. Obviosuly it would have been a big "no, no" to show the offending spray painted portraits. A few years back a restaurant in America touched up a portrait of HM The King to make him look like a trendy American youth. There was outrage here. We reported the incident and posted the picture. But, we were then asked to remove it because it was a picture that shouldn't be shown under any circumstances.
A second reason not to report this in the Thai press is because this guy could easily be lynched by a mob. Remember what happened to the poor guy that smashed the Erawan Shrine? However, like I said before, I think it is important for us and the international media to report this case in order to make sure justice is done in the correct way. No-one wants this guy to be lynched.
This foreigner could get 3 to 15 years. It is doubtful he will get 15 years. Personally I think he should get a few months in prison to think about what he did and then deported. Let's be clear here. This man is NOT a tourist. This man is NOT a green expat. This man is in fact a long term resident of Thailand and knew full well the consequences of his actions. There is no excuse for what he did. He broke the laws of the land where he was staying and making a living. He also disrespected the monarchy. There is no doubt, this guy was suicidal. He didn't just spray paint one portrait. He did so in SIX different villages. This guy was on a mission.
A second reason not to report this in the Thai press is because this guy could easily be lynched by a mob. Remember what happened to the poor guy that smashed the Erawan Shrine? However, like I said before, I think it is important for us and the international media to report this case in order to make sure justice is done in the correct way. No-one wants this guy to be lynched.
This foreigner could get 3 to 15 years. It is doubtful he will get 15 years. Personally I think he should get a few months in prison to think about what he did and then deported. Let's be clear here. This man is NOT a tourist. This man is NOT a green expat. This man is in fact a long term resident of Thailand and knew full well the consequences of his actions. There is no excuse for what he did. He broke the laws of the land where he was staying and making a living. He also disrespected the monarchy. There is no doubt, this guy was suicidal. He didn't just spray paint one portrait. He did so in SIX different villages. This guy was on a mission.
2006-12-09 @ 18:37
Comment from: diego dobberington
"As in Romans do as the Romans do."
Would that include keeping slaves, practicing inc3st and stoning Christians? (all of which were normal in Ancient Rome)
Would that include keeping slaves, practicing inc3st and stoning Christians? (all of which were normal in Ancient Rome)
2006-12-10 @ 00:07
Comment from: scooby
This guy deserves what he gets. Like Richard said, this guy was on a mission and had defaced portraits in 6 villages. He would have been aware of the consequences.
2006-12-10 @ 02:40
It's those damn Swiss people.. about time they show their true colors. Ha ha.
2006-12-10 @ 15:12
Comment from: Steve Suphan
Going on about what has been written and censorship, then i am glad that pathetic crimes like this are censored.
Why?
Well, because most foreigners here in Thailand have much respect for Thailand's monarchy. Printing crimes like this could have a lot of the local masses believing that this Swiss ex-pat is just an example of how many other foreigners, here in Thailand, feel!
As Richard mentioned, most folks would agree about censorships, but really - there has to be limits.
As for any foreigners who disagree - there is also plenty of censorship in the Western world.
Why?
Well, because most foreigners here in Thailand have much respect for Thailand's monarchy. Printing crimes like this could have a lot of the local masses believing that this Swiss ex-pat is just an example of how many other foreigners, here in Thailand, feel!
As Richard mentioned, most folks would agree about censorships, but really - there has to be limits.
As for any foreigners who disagree - there is also plenty of censorship in the Western world.
2006-12-10 @ 20:44
Honor his majesty the King in everyway and everyday.
The rock of Thai democracy & freedom!
The rock of Thai democracy & freedom!
2006-12-12 @ 00:16
Comment from: Mary
Is this the same as the Danish cartoons picturing Mohammad that were offensive to Muslims?
2006-12-12 @ 11:13
Comment from: Frank
As a Swiss, I am deeply ashamed of this
"fellow" countryman's deed. As most
here, I feel deep respect for His Ma-
jesty. The above mentioned question
about the severity of the punishment,
however, remains. Though no excuse what-
soever, 15 years for spraying is very
tough, when you compare what some people
get in this country for murder, women
trafficking and the likes (or, better
said, don't got for these). It's the
scale that's questionable.
"fellow" countryman's deed. As most
here, I feel deep respect for His Ma-
jesty. The above mentioned question
about the severity of the punishment,
however, remains. Though no excuse what-
soever, 15 years for spraying is very
tough, when you compare what some people
get in this country for murder, women
trafficking and the likes (or, better
said, don't got for these). It's the
scale that's questionable.
2006-12-12 @ 18:10
Comment from: trangam
This is not the same as the danish incident, because Thailand is seeking respect within their territory. No one waged any kind of war or even any real anger when the Afghanistan Taliban destroyed the Lord Buddha statues. Even though many felt the sadness of the incident.
2006-12-14 @ 22:13
Comment from: Thailand Gal
This just made me cringe! It's hard to imagine seeing such a thing now... thank goodness!
Peace,
~Thailand Gal
Peace,
~Thailand Gal
2006-12-17 @ 04:56
Comment from: Joe Wood
Censorship is not as straightforward as
some people have indicated here.
Personally, I am comfortable with the
fact that the incident is reported
in the international press overseas,
and that the Government or media editors
have decided not to publish here in
Thailand.
Within such a delicate situation,
in which democracy has been suspended
and unidentifiable power sources are
in control of more public political
puppets, the only reality and symbol
of stability for the Thai people is
their King.
The underbelly of Thai society has its streaks of racism and at this moment
may be one of the last things that
anyone wants is a huge anti-farang
surge of feeling and resentment to
any foreign influence.
The situation is sensitive, just as
when the home-made bombs went off over
New Year and there was talk of
terrorists and C4 and goodness knows
what, mainly by people who want to talk
about a concern but are definitely not
in possession of the full facts.
At another time, I would have said that
I was uncomfortable with this
particular instance of censorship.
But at this time, no.
To me, it's being very wise.
By the way, however obnoxious the
suspension of democracy is at any time
and however intolerable it is to have
one's rights taken away,
the 19th.September military coup was
remarkable in as much as it was
entirely bloodless and disrupted the
lives of Thai people for only one day,
if that.
2007-01-08 @ 11:40
Comment from: Michel the french
I agree. I' m personally very chocked by this picture showing stupid and irrespectfully attitude. I must approve that foreigners and tourists, everybody must respect thai traditions as the pillar : the King, Religion and Nation.
Michel (France)
Michel (France)
2007-01-08 @ 17:15
Comment from: Alan
It is very sad that human beings can be exalted to such a high degree by other human beings so that a mere insult is elevated to almost a capital crime!
This is not respect for anyone!This is hysteria!My respect for the King is in my heart and is noones business but mine.The man was stupid and must pay for the damage and apologise sincerely.That's all
This is not respect for anyone!This is hysteria!My respect for the King is in my heart and is noones business but mine.The man was stupid and must pay for the damage and apologise sincerely.That's all
2007-03-12 @ 15:26
Comment from: H
Hmm. Interesting. Destruction of property is one thing and should (and do) be considered a crime. But thats where it ends. Freedom of speeach, opinion and basic human rights and nowadays taken for granted. Not in Thailand however. I must say I am surprised by the defence put forward for the law in this case. Beeing put in prison for damaging property ok - but ending up there for expressing an opinion goes aiganst the very fundamentals of freedom and democracy.
2007-03-12 @ 15:55
Interesting that the last two comments come from the same computer but signed with different names.
For a start, lese majeste is not a "capital crime". Maximum sentence is 15 years. Secondly, the man broke a major law in a country he was residing in. He would have to be very stupid not to know about this law and the consequences. Anyway. this is out of our hands. He will be sentenced by the courts at the end of March.
I would advise the "two" visitors above to be careful talking about His Majesty the King as you "both" live here in Bangkok. We have enough data for the police to track you down if they send us a request. If you cannot respect the law of the country where you are staying then I suggest that it is time you moved on elsewhere.
For a start, lese majeste is not a "capital crime". Maximum sentence is 15 years. Secondly, the man broke a major law in a country he was residing in. He would have to be very stupid not to know about this law and the consequences. Anyway. this is out of our hands. He will be sentenced by the courts at the end of March.
I would advise the "two" visitors above to be careful talking about His Majesty the King as you "both" live here in Bangkok. We have enough data for the police to track you down if they send us a request. If you cannot respect the law of the country where you are staying then I suggest that it is time you moved on elsewhere.
2007-03-12 @ 18:18
Comment from: Mikey
I lived in Thailand for a while, and I think I have an idea about what was going through his mind. Every once in a while you come across these old farangs, full of self loathing, who would rather live in Thailand and treat the locals like dirt than live in their own country and be treated as such. I can just see the old bugger getting drunk every night on beer Chang, and deciding to go out and teach Thailand a lesson about civilizaion... A month in a Thai jail will suck, but being sent back home will be his real nightmare.
2007-03-14 @ 08:41
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