“… we’ve been practicing democracy in different forms since Buddha was still a little’n …”

Yeah, the “condescending” part couldn’t possibly be applied to you …

The problem with a lot of “concerned” farangs is that they have no clue what’s going on, they are totally oblivious to internal contradictions in their own logic and at the same time they are absolutely convinced of their own superiority.

Then they expect the “elites” to take their foolhardy theories seriously. Not going to happen, not with an attitude like this.

“6. Beware farangs bearing condescending advice

The farang mindset, no matter how well educated or how well intended, has no necessary commitment to the well-being of Thai society. Nor will the farang mindset necessarily have good remedies for Thailand if all goes wrong with farang recommendations to better conform Thai values and social practices with foreign standards.

Even the well-meaning farangs will probably not stick around to pick up the pieces if it all falls apart …”

What an idiot is this guy? I think this must be a reflection on himself, because it certainly isn’t a reflection of me.

Many of us have lives here, children, wives, jobs. Are we not commited to the well being of Thai society? That’s to say I’m not commited to my daughters future.

I could easily ignore Thai politics were it not for the fact that everything this man says is the opposite of reality. For the future of myself and my children, the country I will retire in and they will live in, I care what happens in this country.

As for not having good remedies for Thai society – we’ve been practicing democracy in different forms since Buddha was still a little’n. I think we have some stories to tell and wisdom in us. The idea Thailand is unique from the rest of the world only comes from someone who wants to exploit percieved differences to justify the harsh authority of tyranical Establishment. We’ve been tackling the integration of foreign cultures into a democratic society for thousands of years, and still are – he’s paying this off?

There’s nothing wrong with our concept of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, or is he saying there is? Buddha pardon his arrogance if he’s saying he is, because the “farang” Thais will not forgive his arrogance so easily.

I couldn’t have summed it up better myself, glaring paradox notwithstanding.

Why do people continue to misunderstand the motivations of politicians, they are all the same, everywhere no different. They are there to make money and to achieve power and influence. Now that was easier than ten commandment nonsense above and at least they know what you are talking about.

Must be my shallow-mindedness.

BangkokDan

Consider the following tests:

- obvious childish truth: passed (“be yourself and speak your mind”)

- cheap grandiloquent aphorism: passed (“dialog is not defeat”)

- hubris mixed with pseudo-religion background: passed (“Theravada teachings on moderation” … “Thosapit Rajatham”)

- and eventually, paranoia: passed (“beware of the farang …”)

A very good summary of many aspects of Thai life.

Anyway. I don’t really like this kind of “Zen” bullshit.

But I still believe it’s actually a joke, aimed at our Thai friends.

Steve B. Young tried to fool us.

Even if he does possess a little credibility courtesy of his daddy’s ambassadorship and his academic background, the field of government friendly foreign apologists contains far heavier hitters. For instance I would say that Shawn Crispin seems now to be thoroughly committed to supporting Abhisit. Crispin is a heavy hitter with great sources and a formidable crisp writing style. When he spins on behalf of the government line he’s quite credible and is taken seriously. Young’s a total lightweight. Why should we care what this American high-so dilettante writes in The Nation?