Buddha curbs 'stifle expression'

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Buddha curbs 'stifle expression'

Published: 3/06/2011 at 02:28 AM
Newspaper section: News

Opposition is building to the Culture Ministry's plan to step up controls on the use of Buddha images and religious motifs for commercial purposes.

Culture Minister Niphit Intharasombat said this week he had instructed provincial governors, especially those in tourist destinations, to crack down on the "improper" use of Buddha images and religious motifs.

He hoped to persuade tattoo shops to stop tattooing Buddha images on tourists. The ministry believed that tattooing Buddha images on the body was improper.

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jgriff
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Discussion 5 : 03/06/2011 at 11:16 PM5
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Well said Aussie John. U R CORRECT!!!!
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anoldman
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Discussion 4 : 03/06/2011 at 01:34 PM4
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ivyking, #1; What have your comments got to do with the issue in the story, which is about the Ministry of Culture, not the administrators of a school or the Ministry of Education?
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fma
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Discussion 3 : 03/06/2011 at 09:48 AM3
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As a humanist I find this 'initiative' from the ministry provocative of course. Minister Niphit has been quite active in the media lately, promoting repressive changes in laws and regulations. His grasp of important issues is less than impressive.
When Khun Niphit commenced his work in the ministry he stated that he would 'do his best', although his background was from justice. Well, using laws as the main tool for cultural issues is obviously his preferred choice.
The minister is a Democrat. Is he likely to be kept on if Abhisit continues after the election?
Is this the best we can expect?
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Aussie John
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Discussion 2 : 03/06/2011 at 08:31 AM2
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The Thai Culture Ministry has no right to enforce laws and controls over the commercial use of the Buddha image as the Buddha and associated imagery are not originally Thai. Buddhist imagery as well as Hindu imagery are all imported from outside of the kingdom. The Buddha was born in Ceylon just as Christ was born in Bethlehem. You don't have the Vatican putting restrictions on how Jesus and christian imagery is used throughout the world. Both religions are universal. Why Thailand assumes that they are the sole protector of all things Buddhist is highly contradictory as many Thais use the religion superstitiously for luck and monetary gain. The trade in Buddhist amulets is huge business in Thailand yet you don't see the ministry regulating this activity. The Thai Culture Ministry should put its efforts into reforming the 'patronage system' which has corrupted Thai social culture a lot more than the commercialization of a religion that is not originally Thai in the first place.
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ivyking
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Discussion 1 : 03/06/2011 at 05:51 AM1
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"Opposition is building to the Culture Ministry's plan to step up controls on the use of Buddha images and religious motifs for commercial purposes."

My neighbor child goes to Wat Suthiwararam school. A few times a year, the school will try to force sell Buddha images and religious motifs through they children to their parents. The children were afraid that if their parent don't buy those expensive useless items, they MIGHT be call black sheep, discriminated, or worst, might not be allowed to pass. The child keep crying until the parents give in.

The Mark's government FREE schooling is also a Myth. They have show us that they have paid more than 20,000 Baht at the beginning of the term for one child (I have seen the receipt). The government FREE hand out was only a free hundred bath in cash, book for loan, etc, which is not even sufficient to buy 2 set of uniform.

The ministry of education should investigate.
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Buddha curbs 'stifle expression' | Bangkok Post: news