A metapolitical view of the corona crisis
I can't help it; I am a cultural scientist by training and this baggage often makes me look at the world around me in a different way. Also in these harsh times of Coronapsychosis. Life-threatening viruses are omnipotent.
In his book Swarm. History of the world Peter Verhelst elevated this theme to an almost metaphysical issue. He presented us with a universe -Virutopia- that has fallen into a veritable psychosis of fear due to the looming dangers of terror and contagion: “Everyone and everything is affected / No one is who they thought they were / Nothing is as we thought we knew it.' Sentences with an almost prophetic dimension, because literary fiction cannot match the day-to-day reality in which we had to drastically adjust our lives within a short period of time, say twenty-four hours by order of the government. The fear of getting sick has led to the abolition of a number of social conventions, ranging from handshakes to kisses. People keep more and more distance, impose an often self-chosen isolation on themselves and others. It really didn't take long before the barriers went down everywhere. Annoying side effects such as alienation, hardening and segregation are already lurking around the corner…
The current corona crisis proves once again that, from a purely cultural-historical point of view, pandemics have at least as great an impact as revolutions or wars. Mass hysteria and religious madness broke out simultaneously with the plague in Europe around 1350. Fear for 'the others' which transformed into disgust, from the carnage of the Black Death in the Middle Ages to the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919, were a historical constant. The associated search for scapegoats is also timeless. Just look at the way certain elements of the Thai regime are trying to make the transition in these uncertain times farang to make suspicious.
Anutin Charnvirakul (SPhotograph / Shutterstock.com)
Like most of you, I was quite shocked by the oversimplified statement by Thailand's Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that all ai Farang – damn Farang who refused to wear a face mask should be kicked out of the country. Although he was forced to apologize, his inclination to vent his very personal frustrations apparently trumps common sense. He already proved this by persisting in his anger in mid-March and lashing out again on Twitter at the dirty, unhygienic farang who fled Europe and are further spreading the Covid-19 virus.
The statement by the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn that the corona virus will disappear from the face of the earth around mid-April should also be viewed in this context. The message is clear: the population must blindly trust the wisdom and progressive insights of the government. A large part of the current rulers is convinced of Thai superiority. It just proves that in times of crisis tribal thinking all too often predominates. The community wants to protect itself and falls back on (primeval) old instincts: us against them. And in this case the farang the screw up.
Politicians or would be politicians who prefer their own primacy to external wisdom: they are of all times. The Prayut government is a painful example ultimate of this particular political class. They are deeply convinced that their culture, although superior, is still in danger of being overrun by foreign barbarians. A doctrine that has become an inseparable part of the Thai national canon since the humiliating territorial abdication to the European imperialists at the end of the nineteenth century during the reign of Chulalongkorn. A bizarre mix of pride and self-pity rolled into one…
There is no question that epidemics bring out the dark side of human nature. In certain circles in the Land of Smiles that I would describe as arch-conservative or royalist, an aversion to conflict of opinion and democracy has long been 'bon ton'. Today, as a result of the corona crisis, there is another call for strong authority.
(1000 Words / Shutterstock.com)
In his magisterial book 'Epidemics and Society' Frank Snowden, emeritus professor of the history of medicine at Yale University, convincingly demonstrated the profound social and political consequences of epidemics and how they very often lead to a transformation in political life, read an increase in central state power have led. History teaches us that when the opportunity arises to establish discipline and discipline, authoritarian figures often tend to confuse ends and means. This danger has suddenly become very real in Thailand. Big Brother suddenly seems much more than a figure who has run away from George Orwell's sublime book '1984'…
These are golden times for government officials with an autocratic or authoritarian side. Let's stay vigilant. Not only for the virus, but also for them….
Thank you for this insight'. Because there is a widespread illusion that we will come out of this crisis purified, under the motto: most people are good. Now this may be true in itself, but diverts us from the slightly less rosy view, and conclusion, that we are far from facing evil (and hatred) enough, which means: study, investigate, describe, analyze, yes the ultimate project of the coming decade. Tip for those who like to read: I just happened to be working on 'The barbarians are coming', by Coetzee.
Anutin never really apologized, after commenting that a-farang (fucking farangs) should fuck off he wrote the following on his Facebook page “I'm sorry about how I came out to the media, but I will never apologize to foreigners who have no respect and who do not comply with measures against the disease'”. Lapdog media such as the conservative Bangkok Post made him apologize.
No apologies to ai-farangs: https://www.thailandblog.nl/nieuws-uit-thailand/thaise-minister-pas-op-voor-vieze-farangs-die-het-coronavirus-in-thailand-verspreiden/#comment-583439
The fear of strangers is evident, often 'foreigners' have done it or at least a threat. Unfortunately, we also see this with Covid-19.. In Europe, Asians had to deal with annoying to downright racist behavior. In Asia (Thailand) we white noses had to deal with the same practices. People feel unsafe, insecure and everything that is different is even more avoided and viewed with some suspicion than what is 'normal'. The call for decisive action by brave leaders, that tough measures by a powerful authority will protect us all, is also a well-known phenomenon. I have heard cringeworthy comments from people who wanted a total lockdown to name but a few.
In situations like this, rational thinking seems to be pushed back a spot. In the event of a major problem, there is no time to look at everything from all sides 3x, but that should never be an excuse to go into battle with heavy weaponry ruthlessly. There are authoritarian creeps who are happy to take away or seriously affect our privacy and other freedoms, but some also give them that chance in the hope that the powerful, paternal leader(s) will help us back to better times. Caution remains advised.
But to be honest, I'm quickly done with the news these days. With the NOS, Khaosod, ThaiPBS etc. it is largely the virus that strikes the clock. I read at most a single message about it, I ignore the other 20 of that day. Fortunately, I can also find regular news with a little effort. I take this pandemic seriously, but I won't let a daily truckload of disturbing messages drive me crazy. Then I think you're driving yourself crazy.
An interesting broader view. Thank you Lung Jan.
In these dark times, I am not asking for stronger authority, but for smart and forward-looking authority that shares its views on the situation, ideas, considerations and decisions with the people, is transparent and accounts for them in a parliament. I am not able to follow the Corona news in all countries of the world but I have not seen such authority so far. You don't expect that from some countries such as China and North Korea, but you do from others.
The neo-liberalism that reigns supreme in many countries, including the Netherlands, and is (partly) responsible for the shortages in health care (equipment, personnel, insurance) because citizens must be able to fend for themselves without unnecessary government intervention, will be presented with the bill. It is distressing to read that the VVD electorally benefits the most from this whole misery. It's really to cry. Apparently the population has learned nothing and wants to be cheated.
In 2020, 19% of the Dutch population will be older than 65. In 2050, this will be around 25%, or approximately 800.000 more. This aging can actually be seen all over the world. Any idea what that means for a global Corona outbreak in 2050? Do you think neo-liberals have a message for that? I think so, but they see the growing group of elderly people as a new revenue model…
We are entering a period of unprecedented cuts in public administration at the expense of preserving businesses, stock prices and the wealth of the few. What I hum you.
Dear Chris Perfectly formulated. Neoliberalism is going to be the nail in our coffin. I myself have never seen anything in their message. My political choice. I know a lot of liberal thinking people in my work environment. Sorry my personal view I think it's grossly made, fake and at times cold. All subjective but still it gnaws. I have, however, been wondering for years which part of the Dutch population votes for Rutte. I myself work in what the government calls a socially disadvantaged neighborhood that borders one of the most expensive neighborhoods. The contrast remains. People sometimes talk about politics. None of them that Rutte has to. And yet the VVD continues to achieve successes. How is this possible? Not that I attribute all the misery to the VVD, other parties that co-ruled are equally to blame. However, I think corona is increasingly becoming a logistical and not a medical crisis. Normally when a country has a solid health system it would be easy to deal with this disease without too much fuss. But no, the policy had to change. Not a place for fortune seekers. Oh no, they were and are in government. Where will the “so-called” support flow to? Not to the small companies or self-employed people who are already drowned. The big boys ( AHOLD, KLM and the rest). No bailout or healthy exit. Oh no cleanup time.
I agree with Lung Jan that authoritarian leaders now see their opportunity to impose their will more and more on the population. Fortunately, I live in the Netherlands, where Rutte says he needs the entire population to fight the virus, and strongly appeals to responsibility and solidarity. You can see the same movement in the neighboring countries Belgium and Germany. Johnson in the UK also called for joint efforts. It will not work without a sense of democracy, is what the governments want to propagate.
That is already quite different from what Macron is doing in France. One person, one hour, one kilometer: that became his guideline, otherwise sanctions would follow. He literally said it.
Take Spain and Italy: heavily armed soldiers dominate the streets as if a new kind of terror threatens. It is not the population that is mobilized, the command rules. In this discussion, let's not talk about what is going on in Eastern Europe with countries like Hungary and Poland.
I agree with Lung Jan that in Thailand too those in power try to lay the damage on the other in advance. A scapegoat must be found. It didn't take long to search. I also agree with Lung Jan that there is a totally misplaced sense of superiority in Thailand. That feeling does not come from merit. On the contrary, the Thai upper class is filled with feelings of inferiority and fear. And conceals the feelings by calling the other in this case the farang as an evil genius. Fear that they will take over thinking and acting and influence their systems.
The ordinary Thai know it all too: Thailand is not doing well, is indeed extremely conservative, has nothing to celebrate but their royalism, has a great inability to initiate developments, and as a country is not very much. Bangkok is the center, and in Bangkok it has to happen. That means that those in power in Bangkok can think of nothing else than to see the hinterland as a region that needs to be squeezed out.
I think it is going too far to say that Thailand or the Thai are turning away from farang. My experience is that Thai people in general like to deal with farang. They are respected by them, farang like to associate with them, support them emotionally and financially, like to trade with Thai and like to go back and forth. That attitude makes farang welcome by Thais (even more than Chinese).
The attitude of the Thai ruler is one on the wrong side of history. They're not going to keep that up. It will take some time, but also in Thailand, the Corona era will teach ordinary Thai people that remaining dependent on the whims and antics of Bangkok makes them even poorer. Thailand will face an even greater period of uncertainty. Ordinary Thai people will have to unite more than ever, but I am hopeful that eventually their sense of belonging and responsibility will prevail. Will cost casualties, but inevitable.
Sorry, you write falsehoods.
For example, British Boris made a U-turn when he himself became infected.
Apparently the story of the quick herd resistance has eluded you?
Hope that through this "hatred" towards the Farang, europeans and americans, thailand after the Corona crisis,
completely left behind.
There are plenty of other interesting and beautiful countries that like to receive the Euro and Dollar and tourists
to be kind.
Interesting, assuming that this epidemic is all grist to the mill of the authoritarian rulers. I have my doubts about that to a certain extent and also foresee another scenario, which also fits in the history of Thailand. It will also depend on how the virus will develop in Thailand. At the moment, the infection density and the number of deaths cannot be compared to what is going on in Europe. The figures, especially in Thailand, are an order of magnitude better. Perhaps the climate has an influence, or there is widespread lying, or perhaps both. But my intuition tells me that if European scenes start to play out in Thailand too, those in power could face a popular uprising and probably die (with or without much bloodshed). We, as farangs, will hopefully remain unaffected and in any case have to keep our distance as much as possible. On the one hand you hope for something like this to get rid of the buggers, on the other hand you don't want European COVID scenes here in Thailand.
The numbers of infections and deaths in Thailand say nothing at all. Of course there are many more infections and deaths than the numbers show. The less you test, the better the numbers are.
If the covid-19 bomb really bursts in Thailand, it won't take much to explode the popular anger (and desire to divide the assets of the ai farang among themselves).
Don't be surprised if the farangs end up in an even more hopeless position than the ethnic Chinese Vietnamese, and former Southern officials or soldiers under the Vietcong rule in the late 70s.
Hopefully d'Hond's suspicion is correct after comparing several values: humidity: https://www.foodlog.nl/artikel/de-hond-luchtvochtigheid-bepaalt-covid-19-kans-voor-een-slimme-exit-uit-de/ respectively. https://www.news.uzh.ch/de/articles/2020/grippeviren.html
Perhaps a reason for research after all, looking at the very low covid-19 values in SE Asia. And believe me, if it's damp somewhere, it's there right now. “the lard is now walking over your back there”.
OK, part of the dead, especially after the flight of many from the "City" back to (grand)pa&(o)ma's free hut with a bowl of rice, could bring a gigantic spread of the virus, and be sure NOT to be registered as covid-19 deaths.
Interesting to see this warning that pays attention.
If I remember correctly, 9/11 was the signal for all open democracies to violate the privacy of their citizens without any restrictions.
Also beware of the chosen people as they are also not afraid to reach their goal through backrooms. Less visible but just as dangerous as if it were a virus.
And in Hungary what Lung Jan writes in his last paragraph has already become true.
Orban seizes power through corona and sidelines parliament.
No law has been passed for him to relinquish that power…
And as Rob says, let me paraphrase him:
In a few months they will wake up from the illusion
that they emerge purified from the crisis,
and they live in silence in a reactionary country with a dictator.
Honestly - then I still prefer to rely on the half democracy that Thailand is,
than to the whole democracy that was Hungary!
Thanks Lung Jan, very instructive.
Things are hectic, people are stuck, certain things are difficult to arrange. So what do you do as a government? Right.. Ask for more documents, more control from the citizen…
Thai immigration wants to see extra papers and stamps. Must be the same kind of people who ask Thai citizens who want to return to Thailand in addition to a 'fit to fly' health certificate (not the same as a 'no corona' test) for a statement from the local Thai embassy. Life bureaucracy and control. More control please! Distrust the citizen. *sigh*
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MORE PAPERS REQUIRED FOR VISA EXTENSIONS DUE TO 'NATIONAL SECURITY'
Immigration spokesperson Phakkhaphong Saiubon defended the inconvenience on the grounds of “national security.” New requirements include land deeds, rent contracts, and even selfies of foreigners with their accommodations, even as scenes of disarray and massive queues at immigration continue unabated.
“Indeed, we are requiring more documents than usual because there are those who want to exploit the opportunity,” Col. Phakkhaphong said. “We are doing our best to provide the best service, but bearing in mind that national security is our utmost priority.”
(..)
Apart from the usual TM7 application, copies of their passport, and applicant's photos, the new rule requires a certificate from their respective embassies, a copy of rent contract, document confirming their stay at the accommodation, a copy of landlord's ID card and house registration , and a map showing the location of their residence.
The landlord is required to accompany the applicant in person when submitting the documents. The applicant must also take at least four photos with their accommodation to prove their residency.
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Source:
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/04/02/more-papers-required-for-visa-extensions-due-to-national-security/