Disadvantaged from the start

But the heart of the problem lies in the absence of critical thinking in Thai society, such as TV and radio programmes that criticise the government and its performance. Because politicians, especially those of the former Thaksin government, control all TV and radio, including their so-called “community radio stations” (read brainwashing) and anyone who criticises a politician is sued for defamation, all people can hear is praise about their great leaders, like in North Korea or Nazi Germany.

Anyone with the opportunity, including these same politicians, sends their children to private or overseas schools.

In the US there are rankings of the most competitive speciality public schools, like the Bronx High School of Science in New York (which wins half of all Westinghouse science scholarships every year) and the California Academy of Mathematics and Science. Admissions are based purely on test scores, and today these schools are 80 per cent Asian. In Thailand the most important criterion for admission is “Namsakul arai” (“What’s your surname?”) and this is continued into bureaucracies and ministries.

Given the continuing problems, why not have a national teacher and student exchange with public high schools in California?

Also, the physical school buildings all over Thailand are disgraces. It is clear that peanuts are invested in making a nice environment for Thai youth.

Thai people have learned to expect nothing from the government, while politicians divvy up the big cake or bus people in to riot for them to get money and power. People who know better are warned to “keep yourself in a very low profile” for fear of retribution from the usual suspects.

I feel sorry for the young people in this country who are cheated and brainwashed by their own leaders.

A Hitler 

Bangkok