Thailand kow-towing to the tourist dollar

The Don Mueang Airport guard caught on tape scuffling with a Chinese tourist was merely doing his duty. The tourist lacked proper documentation to enter Thailand. According to news reports, the tourist resisted when the guard gave him instructions and tried to escort him out of the area.
Yet it was the guard who was disciplined by the airport manager. Had such an incident happened in Singapore or any other developed country, the tourist would have been arrested and prosecuted for unlawful entry. Only here in Thailand, where money rules, do we see such lenient practice. Senior government officials are so concerned about losing income from tourists that the rule of law is forsaken. Even our prime minister came out to defend the Don Mueang tourist, whose compatriots are building a reputation around the world for rudeness, ignoring the cultural sensitivities of countries they visit, and neglecting to respect their laws. 
Many countries are unhappy with the influx of Chinese tourists. The Thai government should make visitors aware of our local culture and laws, and the need to abide by them. Otherwise the Land of Smiles is in danger of becoming the Land Where Money is King – a very sad fate indeed.
The Insider