A shame at TOT

A wonderful report in Friday’s Bangkok Post highlighted much that hampers Thailand’s progress into the real world.

The acting president of the TOT was fired because he “defied” the information and communications technology minister at a seminar. The TOT chairman, naturally a general, said: “Thai society has different social aspects from Western society and knowledgeable people should avoid showing disrespect to their seniors and commanders.” Presumably, he wants them to continue in blithe ignorance.

The general said that he had invited the unfortunate man onto TOT board as he wanted him to demonstrate his ability. Great! So he was demonstrated his knowledge and was promptly fired.

Setting aside questions as to whether he should have aired his differing opinions on private, it’s clear that this expectation or kreng jai perniciously permeates Thai socity, business and education. Do not voice a dissenting view, however well-founded, if the person with whom you disagree I senior, older or simply politically better connected.

RICHARD ZATLOUKHAL

PostBag Bangkok Post – Thailand, 27-6-2007

Collected by Antoni P. Uni, Bangkok