No reconciliation without respect

Growing up in an egalitarian society in Australia, I saw little denigration of those in the outer provinces or who worked as labourers or blue-collar workers. If anything the labourers such as plumbers and electricians were often better paid than university lecturers because there were too few of them. This, however, is not the case in Thailand.

Due to the feudalistic mentality analogous to the caste system we have in Thailand, there is a huge divide between Bangkokians, who are typically pro-establishment, versus the majority of Thais in the provinces and rural areas. Many Bangkokians I have come across look down on the red shirts with contempt, believing that they are ill informed and easily manipulated. I doubt this is the right attitude for true reconciliation. True reconciliation cannot and will not be achieved in Parliament. Rather, it must come from a change of mentality and attitude by Thais themselves. Regardless of the other person’s educational background, wealth, occupation, place of birth, skin colour and age, Thais must learn how to sincerely respect one another as equals. Arguably this is the biggest cultural challenge Thais must face if the country is to truly reconcile and succeed in the globalised era. Sadly, I might be asking too much.

Edward Kitlertsirivatana

Bangkok