Not that Thailand is horrible, there are many wonderful things. But there’s a piece of cultural baggage that we carry: the belief in inequality ingrained into our mindset. The Poo Yai/Poo Noi Syndrome (Social Superior/Social Inferior) that’s more widespread than COVID-19. Take a Stanford University graduate with a Ph.D. andContinue Reading
On Friday, 19 June, Chatchai Phromlert, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministery, sent an urgent letter to all provincial governors. They must allocate vaccination for all ThaiBev employees and their families nationwide. Weekend social media went nuts with cries against privilege and VIP treatment. By Sunday, Chatchai said the letterContinue Reading
Living in Thailand is very much the survival of the fittest (or the richest). Whenever something has to be done, especially in dealing with government bureaucracies, we pull connections. We cut queues and corners. We slip “envelopes” under the table and pass “gift baskets” over the table. A racist wouldContinue Reading
There’s a simple formula to corruption. Mark up the price. Exchange the goods. Receive the change. Spread the change among the patronage network. Everyone is happy because everyone makes money. Courtesy of taxpayers. But of course, such practice no longer exists in Thailand because General Prayut Chan-o-cha has eradicated corruptionContinue Reading
Have you ever imagined how a disgruntled Sukhotai-era feudal lord behaves at home? After a bad day (or a bad seven-year) at work, how he complains to his 250 servants? Of course, you’ve never imagined such a thing. But that’s what General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s yesterday rambling diatribe to the 250Continue Reading
“He breathes in and breathes out work. Sometimes I worry for him, and I tell him, Mr. Prime Minister, sir, take some rest. At 9pm or 10pm, he still issues orders. I worry for him. But he works hard. This is why we must do our best for him [ทํางานถวายหัว,Continue Reading
Some governments vaccinate the people indiscriminately. No matter the race, creed, breed, or citizenship, if the person is within their national borders, they are treated equally in the vaccination drive against COVID-19. In some countries, like the United States, they even vaccinate tourists. Some vaccination strategies are straightforward. For example,Continue Reading
On 7 June, the group Bad Student posted a leaked Line chat. Teachers in Ubon Ratchatani Province discussed online learning amidst COVID-19. The gravest concern was loyalty, tradition, and discipline. Therefore, this was the policy introduced: [Translation from the leaked chat.] “Students are ready to salute the national flag atContinue Reading
The Attorney General’s Office has filed corruption charges against Palang Pracharat Party’s Viraj Rattanaseth, chairman of the government whip. These charges involve the budget for building provincial school futsal stadiums. The allegations are over contracting private companies owned by “friends” to build the stadiums with alleged kickbacks, gift baskets, andContinue Reading
