Wake-up smack for a changing society

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Wake-up smack for a changing society

Published: 15/01/2012 at 02:36 AM
Newspaper section: News

The slapping was a symptom of an outdated mentality that still permeates society.

A society that functions harmoniously is one in which individual members understand and respect their roles. Obey the rules _ those written down as law and those simply understood as a matter of tradition _ and the balance of the forces is maintained, making Master Yoda one happy little green goblin.

When chief of passenger inspection at Suvarnabhumi airport Sombat Chartchaiwaiyawit smacked 32-year-old airport security officer Sirichai Maichum upside the head, causing his eardrum to rupture, he was simply reminding the young man of his proper place in society.

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About the author

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

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democrazy
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Discussion 30 : 19/01/2012 at 07:01 PM30
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The "arrogance of the mighty" at its best.
As long as this behaviour does not change.
There is no hope for true democracy in Thailand.
It just is third world developing "amazing" country.
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ykcir9
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Discussion 29 : 17/01/2012 at 04:45 AM29
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International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO need to see this. it seems in thailand it is more important to show how big your juju is than upholding international security standards and protecting their citizens and others .the guard usually looked away as vip's went thur secutity unchecked? you want to stop tourism . let a terrorist though. blow up some thais taxi or bus drivers(no harm ,probably poor esan taxi drivers anyway? and a few farangs). butlook at bali, still not recovered as a tourist destination. one incident say goodby ot the dollar/euro/yen.
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dao
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Discussion 28 : 16/01/2012 at 10:32 AM28
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We are in a state of transition between the old and new and scenes like this will push us kicking and screaming into the modern world .Where everyone has a cell phone with a video camera please use it when you witness disgusting behavior and send it to your local newspaper or post it on youtube for all to see .
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Aussie John
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Discussion 27 : 16/01/2012 at 04:48 AM27
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As long as there are Puu yai who see themselves above the law due to their assumed status, reconciliation of a kingdom divided will remain. Many Thai elites behave in the same manner as Sombat did and do not see it as wrong but a some sort of 'right'... This feudal mentality continues to plague the country and on days like Children's Day sends the wrong message to the country's youth about 'mutual respect' for others especially in the 21 st century.
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howell
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Discussion 26 : 15/01/2012 at 09:43 PM26
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'The slapping was a symptom of an outdated mentality that still permeates society.'

So was Sirichai's 'kortort' offered many times. Sombat would have been smacked back and harder in many other countries.

The 'Do you know who I am or who my dad is ?' attitude needs changing a s a p.

Well done Sirichai for doing his job.
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englishbob
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Discussion 25 : 15/01/2012 at 09:08 PM25
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The hierarchy system isn't the problem - many countries have similar systems; bows and curtsies in England, depth of bow in Japan - the problem is the impunity with which some people feel they can act. While Thaksin is an easy example, there are many more individuals doing the same.

Voranai is right to point out that there are many 'puyai' who don't insist on the adulation or ceremony. I've met characters from both camps.
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banphai
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Discussion 24 : 15/01/2012 at 07:36 PM24
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Spiceman #4 "......unlike the Christians, Buddhists are never taught about humility and meekness." The Buddha certainly certainly taught about humility and meekness. The eight-fold path teaches (amongst other moral principles) about loving kindness, compassion, equality, detachment from greed and negative emotions,and the illusion of self and self-importance.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 23 : 15/01/2012 at 06:46 PM23
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Thaksin was replacing families who had long held positions with his own friends and family. His downfall was greed. The man loves only two things - money and power, though adulation counts high with him too. He has an ego that is bigger than some European countries. And look at the politicians who have flocked to his banner, e.g. Chalerm. This is hardly a band of do gooders.
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bennu
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Discussion 22 : 15/01/2012 at 06:42 PM22
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It must be a matter of taste to the recipient if being slapped is as denigrating as a girl dancing topless.
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android
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Discussion 21 : 15/01/2012 at 06:38 PM21
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Discussion 12 bkposter : totally share with your view. Thaksin has gone too far in his job and therefore intimidating the benefit of those big untouchable brothers. An example given is that Thaksin's drug war has posed a vase threat to those powerful elites operating behind.
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