The other side of the coin

THINKBOX

Published: 26 Sep 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

For centuries, Thais have had a hostile attitude towards the people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) due to a long history of war between them. There is a deeply rooted feeling of bitterness that's been passed down from one generation to the next.

It is not an exaggeration to say that such perceptions have been emphasized in Thai history books, drama series and movies that portray Myanmar and its people as villains and our enemy. The seed of hatred has been sowed for so long that a number of Thais tend to look down upon and maltreat labourers from Myanmar.

Before my first visit to Myanmar earlier this month, I was among those who felt "not so friendly" towards Myanmar since I had read a lot of books about the fall of Ayutthaya to Myanmar in 1569 and 1767. Some books and drama series portray invaders from Myanmar as looting and burning down our former capital, killing many Thai people and siphoning off valuables from Ayutthaya to their country in 1767. Many Thais are convinced by what they've read and feel terrible about that painful chapter in history.

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

Forum

Your comments

oldairman
Post : 746
Send message

Discussion 1 : 26 Sep 2012 at 07.161
Post this to my Facebook
Quote
As for me, I am impressed by Myanmar despite some unimpressive moments there. In Mingun, a vendor selling tanaka powder charged me twice the market price. In the resort town of Pyin U Lwin, a woman carrying her son in her arms begged for money, but when I refused she made a face and mocked me, repeating what I said to her, "No, no, no." However, I do not assume the majority of local people are that type because I had more pleasant experiences than bad ones.

Strangely enough this happens to foreigners visiting Thailand a lot especially in the tourist areas. Where I live however in rural Thailand things like this rarely happen and the Thai people here are similar to the Burmese people in your story.

Most people around the world are similar to this.
Like dislike 7 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

The other side of the coin | Bangkok Post: opinion