elef Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 Govt plans culture booklet for foreigners Published on Sep 12, 2004 The Ministry of Culture plans to launch a "Do and Don't" booklet for foreigners to learn about Thai culture before coming to the country. After recent cases such as the poster of the movie "Hollywood Buddha" showing director Philippe Caland sitting atop of a Buddha statue's head and the Buddha labels on wine bottles of a Chinese company, the ministry has come up with the project to educate foreigners. Kla Somtrakool, deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, said the booklet would tell foreigners what they can and cannot do in Thai society. He said that the booklets would be distributed to hotels, travel agencies, airline booths, consulates and the Immigration Bureau. "If some foreigners still behave with malicious intentions, Thai Buddhists should denounce these people or not allow them to enter the country. For instance, foreigners should learn that the head is the most sacred part of the body and younger people are not allowed to touch older people's heads," Kla said. He said that after the project receives approval from the minister and permanent secretary, the ministry would set up a committee to study the booklet's contents, particularly regarding the topics of offending the religion, insulting Thai women and smuggling of ancient objects. Kla added that if foreigners really do not know about Thai culture, they could be forgiven. However, someone who understands the culture but still behaves improperly - perhaps for a business advantage - should not be allowed to enter the country. He said that he would ask the Foreign Affairs Ministry to consider not giving visas to foreigners who have condemned the country or burned the Thai national flag. He has already consulted with the Department of Information, which is responsible for the country's public relations. Chong Wongkhan, vice president of the Senate committee on education, religion, arts and culture, said the committee and the Ministry of Culture had discussed the project and believed that the booklet could prevent foreigners from disparaging Buddhism. Chong added that the committee had discussed the proposed booklet with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, who agreed to blacklist foreigners from entering the country as a punishment for previous indiscretions. The Nation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexi Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 This is not surprising given that most Thais do seem to have a chip on their shoulder when dealing with foreigners and seem a bit oversensitive to criticism or percieved disrespect...blacklisting those who cause trouble,well,seems fair enough to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lazyphil Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 Heard an interview on Radio 5 live (UK station) last night with a top johnny in LOS Gov prattling on in terrible broken English about the whys and wherefors to all this carry on with Buddha and rule book for falangs in LOS. Not very friendly as far as I could see, maybe thats because I'm from a country that is far more tolerant, pragmatic and less face obsessed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Petchburi Pete Posted September 16, 2004 Report Share Posted September 16, 2004 "Blacklist?" I will give Michael Jackson a call regarding advice as to identity change, etc. He's not behind bars yet, is he? Many thanks for the warning. Maybe now Ill be granted re-entry. Remember: it's all about 'entry,' not premature withdrawal ... you must go after the most 'bang' for the buck, or is it fuck? :: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 16, 2004 Report Share Posted September 16, 2004 Huummmm. A Black List might be a good thing....Remember now thatb there is" a stiff penalty for early withdrawl" I wonder if MJ would do all that well if the LOS Gove decided to made a show of his discusting sexual activities. As to the how to act ne doubt this movie with a flaland sitting on a Buddah image head will bring some problems for TEAM SANUK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted September 17, 2004 Report Share Posted September 17, 2004 This booklet is not a bad idea, it can be a help for newbies and ignorants. But much better would be, that every Farang should make first a 8 pages test after every (!) arriving at Don Muang or Thaiborders. Only with enough correct answers it should be allowed to enter the country. And everyone who has passed the test, must wear a certificate in his pocket (same as the passport) all the time, also while he takes a shower for example Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neo Posted September 17, 2004 Report Share Posted September 17, 2004 TAT already has such a guide online: Do's and Dont's in Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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