A society in denial over topless dancing

LET IT BE

A society in denial over topless dancing

Published: 22/04/2011 at 10:30 AM
Newspaper section: News

At Koi Art Gallery on Sukhumvit Soi 31, a "two-in-one" painting exhibition is on show. In one walk-around you can see the works of two painters attempting to portray their totally opposite perception and interpretation of Thai society and the way of life of the subjects captured in the paintings. And while both worlds seem to co-exist, what one's reality is depends on which side of the tracks one comes from.

Koi Art Gallery presents ‘‘Colour of Day/ Colour of Night,’’ an art exhibition featuring different views of Bangkok through the eyes of two artists, Chris Coles and Anita Suputipong.

A part of the exhibition, "Colour of Day", is by Anita Suputipong, a pleasant and pretty young lady who studied graphic design and whose paintings reflect "innocence and beauty".

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About the author

: Writer: Suranand Vejjajiva; Position: Contributor

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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 7 : 23/04/2011 at 10:53 AM7
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People act like prostition and questionable morality in general in Thailand are somehow a result of modernity and globilization...that a more innocent and pure Thailand, as depicted on temple paintings existed in the not so distant past (particulary before the morally-bankrupt 'Farang' arrived).

Rubbish!

It only takes a cursory reading of Thai history to know that this has always been the case here.

Whenever this topic comes up in my classroom, I point out that red light districts flourished in ancient Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, much to the chagrin of my students. They've been spoon-fed so many fairy-tales about their culture in Thai schools, that they find it hard to face the all-too human truth.

The continual attempted superficial sanitization of Thai society with some mythical ideal image, as held up by self-appointed guardians of Thai culture continues to belie the truth and reality of Thai society past, present (and likely future).
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justin_m
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Discussion 6 : 23/04/2011 at 07:18 AM6
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@biffy - whilst your cynicism is clearly warranted, please please save it for one of the other 555 places it would be equally warranted? Or at least until after they have "moved on"? I've been in Bkk for 3 years now, and been waiting for 3 years now - hoping for this discussion. I never thought I'd see the day.

Heck this is the first of K Surunand's columns I've whole-heartedly agreed with (I've only read 50 or so). Every single word is accurate. It's a glorious article.
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biffy
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Discussion 5 : 22/04/2011 at 04:30 PM5
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This is the latest in a plethora of BP articles where commentators have highlighted their disgust at the hypocrisy in the authorities' drive to punish the teenage girls while allowing (and encouraging) Thailand's sex trade to flourish. But why does it take three girls going topless at Songkran on Silom Road to all of a sudden draw journalists attention to the corruption, greed and lack of morality that they are all aware is constantly feeding into and sustaining the sex industry?? My guess is after a few weeks they will have moved on to other 'hot' topics and will be guilty of the same short-sightedness they accuse the authorities of having.
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upena
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Discussion 4 : 22/04/2011 at 04:14 PM4
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"corruption, hypocrisy and denial." You left off "greed". Great article.
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gabriels
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Discussion 3 : 22/04/2011 at 03:30 PM3
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Have to agree (sadly) with drsmith here. It's always 'talk talk talk' in Thailand. At the end of the day seems everyone are just too lazy to actually do much about anything. Crucial topics quickly become 'naar beua', and it's time to get something to eat anyway...
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thaifrelst
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Discussion 2 : 22/04/2011 at 02:34 PM2
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Thanks for beeing honest and correct mr. Suranand Vejjajiva. Your way of writing is very important for develop Thailand. No country are perfect, but we can do our best. And Rome was not build in one day.
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drsmith
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Discussion 1 : 22/04/2011 at 12:38 PM1
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Let's all work to save our souls.... Is there anything more powerful than the media? Do you think writing one opinion is going to save anyone? Why isn't your newspaper more proactive in getting/funding organization startups that can actually do some good and save some souls? The one thing Thailand is rich in is talk, talking about all the problems. When it comes to actual action or spending money to solve social problems there is none. Too much talk, not enough action. Results are clear, problems get worse and worse each year.
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A society in denial over topless dancing | Bangkok Post: opinion