"I don't want to be a soldier in any violent army"
Netiwit is a nineteen-year-old high school student and, considering his age, one of the most outspoken students with a high degree of open defiance. He is the first to publicly declare himself a conscientious objector in Thailand where the military is a source of fortune, status and near-absolute power.
Karma in East and West
The observant readers will have noticed that I try to show the similarities between cultures instead of always emphasizing the differences, although that can also be a lot of fun. That has also led me to stop believing in the 'God' of culture who can explain everything.
The poet speaks: War has no gifts
Angkarn Chanthathip, a 39-year-old writer from Khon Kaen, won the SEA Write Award 2013. In this posting an interview with the poet and one of his poems, in Thai and in a Dutch translation.
Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat was a dictator who ruled between 1958 and 1963. He is the model for the special vision of 'democracy', the 'Thai-Style Democracy', as it is now prevailing again. We should actually call it paternalism.
The Uprising of October 14, 1973, a documentary
Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. These wise words from writer-philosopher George Santayana (1863-1952) came to my mind when I was writing a story about the events surrounding the uprising of October 14, 1973, as a short introduction to the documentary.
Muay Thai, a reflection of Thai male identity?
It's hard being a real Thai man. He is a heavy drinker, swashbuckler, brawler and monk. What does Muay Thai say about who he really is?
Thai television, a short journey of discovery
You often hear negative reports about Thai television programs, such as childish, violent and meaningless. So it's time for Tino's short, and sometimes longer, zapp trip along 20+ channels.
Tino finds it humiliating to speak broken English to your partner or other Thai. Do you do that yourself and why? Do you see that as normal, necessary and right or as easygoing and humiliating? Give your response to this statement.
Thai children should be thankful
The junta is in the process of reform. Much has to be done differently and above all better, a laudable aim. For example, in the field of education, students must memorize and apply twelve core values. Would it help?, Tino Kuis wonders.
Is the anti-drug policy effective?
Drug use in Thailand is a hot topic. The authorities are calling for stricter action against drug use. Tino Kuis disputes that view.
'The Thai Language', a Dutch textbook
Tino Kuis reviews 'The Thai language, grammar, spelling and pronunciation', the first Dutch textbook and reference work for the Thai language. He's excited.
The clock runs forward and not backward
A deafening silence surrounds those who ignored the military's orders. Activists and academics have fled or been forced to remain silent. Some are determined to speak out in the name of justice. Spectrum, the Sunday supplement of the Bangkok Post, lets a few speak.
Are universal and Thai values different? No, says Tino Kuis. They show much more similarities than differences. Moreover, Thailand has become an extremely diverse society with a range of sometimes very different views.
Thai army hinders democracy
Thailand has 850.000 soldiers and about 1000 generals. Since 1932 there have been 11 successful coups and 6 attempts. What is the role of the military in Thai society and politics?
How corrupt are the Thais? Really bad! But are the foreigners so much better? Not corrupt at all? Never ever? Do they never accept a corrupt proposal or do they never make a corrupt proposal themselves? Of course it is! Discuss the statement.
Suthep's failure will test the fairness of the courts.
Statement of the week: 'The 'Land of Smiles' does not exist and never has existed.'
Do you enjoy Thailand? I give it to you wholeheartedly. I also enjoy Thailand but for years now with an increasingly heavy and sad heart. My original image of 'The Land of Smiles' has been shattered for years.