Time stands still in the age of avarice

COMMENTERY

Time stands still in the age of avarice

Published: 20/03/2011 at 03:43 AM
Newspaper section: News

Nai Khanom Tom was a Thai peasant. He became a prisoner of war following the second and final fall of Ayuthaya to Burma in 1767.

March 17 was National Muay Thai Day. On this day 237 years ago (1774), Nai Khanom Tom defeated 10 Burmese fighters in a row in front of the royal audience of King Hsinbyushin in Rangoon.

Following the feat, the Burmese king said: ''The Thai is lethal all around. With only his bare hands, he defeated 10 fighters. If all Thais had good masters, if they'd get along, if they didn't get into conflicts with each other and if they didn't only pursue selfish, personal and family interests, it would have been impossible for Ayutthaya to have fallen to her enemy.''

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About the author

: Writer: Voranai Vanijaka; Position: Political and Social Commentator

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fma
Post : 136
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Discussion 28 : 23/03/2011 at 10:28 PM28
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D13&12 get restless if the focus wanders from bashing Thaksin.
The fact is that the Thai society has a fundamental problem, there is to belief in establishing a fair system where all persons are treated equally. Experience and history have so far proved them right. You see it everywhere, in the classrooms, in traffic, in the court system and in the workplace.
I am personally more depressed by the deference shown to me because I have a senior title, than by the scam attempts.
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micklan
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Discussion 27 : 23/03/2011 at 07:51 AM27
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Sad. The Thai airways "price gouging" is frightening and criminal. In natural disasters, it's usual for governments to provide transport/evacuation for their nationals via a charter etc. Land ownership is no.1 in wealth creation, accurate & legal records empower people in that process. Yeah, perhaps a good news story once and again Khun Voranai may assist.
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luv2wander
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Discussion 26 : 22/03/2011 at 01:03 PM26
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D25, Will the ship sink? I think not. Thais are pragmatic people. When come close to water line, all parties will scurry to keep the ship afloat. Whether that will turn out as wake up call, only time will tell.

It is true all ramblings here are inconsequential, even boring to some. It also demonstrates people do care, whether Thais or Aliens.

I do wonder if your writings, K, Voranai, are also published in Thai. It will mean more to general Thai populace than us aliens watching from sideline. It is necessary the Thai society at large to hold the view that performance bars need to raise in every quarters.
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loong
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Discussion 25 : 22/03/2011 at 10:21 AM25
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Khun Voranai, good article, keep on poking, it will sink in one day!
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Aussie John
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Discussion 24 : 21/03/2011 at 03:57 AM24
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No matter how much you write about the social inequity in Thailand nothing will change until those without finally stand up together and say enough already. Unfortunately the majority will not as they look up to those that rip them off and if possible given the chance to exploit those below them would do the same. This denigrating social behavior can be seen at the grass roots where very few people help each other within communities as they did decades before. Money has become the main objective no matter where its derived corrupted or otherwise. Ask any Thai where they see its importance and most will tell you at the top. To have good karma is to be RICH so I have been told so many times.
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nns
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Discussion 23 : 20/03/2011 at 10:48 PM23
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One has to recognize and acknowledge the problems before one can even begin to think about solving them. Keep on writing about problems as you see them, Khun Voranai.
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luv2wander
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Discussion 22 : 20/03/2011 at 07:34 PM22
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D13 & D12,it is easy to point out how wrong others are & not putting money where the mouth is. Surely you folks are not content with many issues in your society too, ask yourself why are you not into politics too!

If one thinks any individual can make changes by simply stepping into the political arena against entrenched interests, a reality check is needed. Superman or Batman are fantasies.

I think K. Voranai has done his bit by raising general awareness and consciousness, while tipsy or not is immaterial.

D18, the situation itself is a BIG JOKE, you need more? If you are tired of weekly moaning, nobody ask you to read further.

It is pity Thailand having a good King for the past 60 years has to stay above politics by constitution. Anybody heeds his words of wisdom from time to time?
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EODGhost
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Discussion 21 : 20/03/2011 at 07:30 PM21
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Discussion 8.
I think you what you should have said is:

"There is no merit in greed. Treat ALL PEOPLE as you would want to be treated."

Foreigners are people too, not just Thais.
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macmud
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Discussion 20 : 20/03/2011 at 06:51 PM20
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Samuel Johnson wrote " The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good". Sadly that sentiment has now been replaced by 'the rats are winning the rat race'.

There are many things we would all like to see changed but I, for one, would like to express my appreciation of Khun Voranai's insightful and thought-provoking articles
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tommylee
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Discussion 19 : 20/03/2011 at 02:14 PM19
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@D12, D13: Unfortunately, there seem to be no vacancies for BP editors on the PM’s coalition cabinet at the present time.
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