Decency drowns in a culture without a sense of shame

COMMENTARY

Decency drowns in a culture without a sense of shame

Published: 10/04/2011 at 04:40 AM
Newspaper section: News

Can't get through the front door because of the flood? No problem. Paddle your boat to the side, climb up to the roof, remove the tiles, make a hole and drop down into the bedroom.

Perhaps tie a rope around your waist, then drop down like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, playing the theme music in your head while you're at it. It's exciting stuff.

Once inside, steal everything.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

About the author

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

Keep this article in your social bookmark:

Latest stories in this category:

Your comments

faranginkorat
Post : 120
Send message

Discussion 37 : 16/04/2011 at 09:43 AM37
Post this to my Facebook
If you look at pictures of looting in America, which has occurred in several different places over the years during riots as well as natural disasters, you will probably not see any white people in those pictures.

That does not explain the difference between Thailand and Japan.

Your next article about being shameless might focus on Thai behaviour on the roads.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
observer 101
Post : 55
Send message

Discussion 36 : 15/04/2011 at 11:27 AM36
Post this to my Facebook
Although never colonized by an outside nation, Thailand is colonized by an even more evil and destructive force; the force of corruption, cheating, and greed that seems to know no boundaries, have no limits, no solution.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
piriformis
Post : 56
Send message

Discussion 35 : 13/04/2011 at 08:03 PM35
Post this to my Facebook
I recall reading a Dhamma book by Luangta Maha Boowa in which he mentions the importance of having, "a healthy sense of shame and fear of consequences" combined with mindfulness. How fortunate are the Thai people to have such easy access to the Dhamma and to many outstanding monks and lay people! So, spend 90% of your time working on your own ethics and limit your concern about others to just 10% of your time.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
johninbkk
Post : 2,476
Send message

Discussion 34 : 13/04/2011 at 10:04 AM34
Post this to my Facebook
"Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans in 2005, showed that even citizens of one of the most advanced countries are capable of widespread looting."
I was born and raised near New Orleans, so I disagree about it being an 'advanced' place. It's more like Thailand, laid-back/lazy people, very poor education standards, and serious corruption in the local governments.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
gazza
Post : 8
Send message

Discussion 33 : 12/04/2011 at 07:08 AM33
Post this to my Facebook
Yet another wonderful and inspiring piece (and yes it is better written by a Thai) which focusses on the importance of the cultural behavioural overlay that affects all aspects of Thai life. Cultural comparisons are always useful. I have lived in Japan and Thailand and can attest the significance "shame" plays in Japanese society. Although it does not completely eliminate corruption from political life, it is most cetainly a strong deterrent. Shamed politicans or businessmen rarely make comebacks in Japan, but in Thailand they often do. It seems the most serious consequence for Thai politicians is "loss of face" but everyone knows that this is caused not by the politicians corrupt behavioour per se but rather by the person who has had the audacity to point out the corrupt behaviour. It is the cultural distance from taking responsibility which is fundamental to understanding the hows and the whys.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
dao
Post : 2,115
Send message

Discussion 32 : 12/04/2011 at 03:33 AM32
Post this to my Facebook
Wow I have nothing to add but that public shaming is a poerful tool in China and although we arent Communist maybe we should try it .
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
daiwill60
Post : 8
Send message

Discussion 31 : 11/04/2011 at 12:59 PM31
Post this to my Facebook
An interesting article and one that i can sadly believe to be true, as this sort of thing does go on all over the world regardless of the wealth of the people.
However, it is not a total dislay of greed and disapair in Thailand, as i found out recently when i went for a quick bite to eat in a poverty struck part of Khon Kaen.
I ordered a simple meal and a beer, the lady who servrd me and gentleman who cooked the food seemed pleasant enough and we chatted as best we could. I finished my meal and complimented them on their food. When I paid my bill I thought , Oooh! that was a bit sttep at 175Bht but put this down to maybe being the cost of the beer, shrugged paid up and wnet next door to buy some other items to atke back to my apt. On returning to my scooter outside the restaurant i wss plesantly surprised to be greeted again by the lady of the restaurant who said she had overcahrged me and put some 20 -30 Bht back in my hand. I thanked her gracefuly and will comtinue to eat there frequently during my stay in Khon Kaen.
Little occurences like this have happened a few times to me in Thailand since i have been here, so i would say that it is not all a picture of doom and gloom , and that as in many other countries, there are a also a lot of decent people out there on the streets of Thailand and probably always will be. I just hope that the good shall always outnumber the bad and therefore it may be more obvious to see, when it is, maybe the bad will take more notice and adjust there ways in the future.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Kanadian
Post : 159
Send message

Discussion 30 : 11/04/2011 at 11:21 AM30
Post this to my Facebook
Voranai Vanijaka - what a great letter. So when foreign people use these same words, Thai people are offended. WHY, because they know it's the truth.. It starts at the top and goes down hill.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Aussie John
Post : 584
Send message

Discussion 29 : 11/04/2011 at 07:51 AM29
Post this to my Facebook
When Thailand's leaders have 'no shame' in the behavior they display what example is set for Thailand's youth. Unfortunately in Thailand shameful behavior is accepted as culturally normal. Real ethics and morals have been degraded over decades through the adoration of greed and corruption. Where is the kingdom's dignity? The only hope for the future is in education which allows Thailand's youth to really explore the alternatives outside the bubble that has been created artificially for them. They need to be able to actually critically think and question Taking responsibility for ones actions must come from leaders who themselves have these real qualities. Without them you end up with more SHAME and lots of BLAME pointed at someone else. Change can only occur when these leaders accept the blame for their actions and actually do something about it.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
nns
Post : 108
Send message

Discussion 28 : 11/04/2011 at 02:34 AM28
Post this to my Facebook
Can't agree with you more, Khun Voranai. What also strikes me is the hypocrisy of people who express disgust over and endlessly criticize the corrupt officials and politicians and fail to recognize that such traits are within all of us. From our childhood to adulthood, how often have we been taught and ingrained by our elders the concept of fair play, honesty, respect for others? My guess is not very. Instead, our lessons and examples in life revolve around seeking advantage, taking shortcuts and enjoying previleges of all kinds. Until there is a significant turn about in people's mentality, I'm afraid the future of thailand will remain same old, same old.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

1 2 3 4 Next Last

Decency drowns in a culture without a sense of shame | Bangkok Post: opinion