A matter of national pride

Last week, after a train trip to Nakhon Pathom, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stressed that by 2020 Thailand’s rail network would again be a source of national pride, as it was over 100 years ago.

Planning is necessary to achieve these goals. Rawewan’s task mainly involves changes to the airport complex for the greater convenience of passengers. Yingluck’s involves the Bt2 trillion infrastructure investment plan, with more than half of it geared towards the rail network.

National pride means being proud of your country or of yourself for being from your country. It means pride and happiness in being a citizen of your country. National pride can involve tangible and intangible things.

What makes Thais proud of their country?

It could be Thai boxing; the Kingdom’s traditional martial art is now internationally admired and respected. It could also be badminton; Ratchanok Intanon, 18, has become Thailand’s first, and the youngest ever, winner of the women’s World Championship. She beat China’s Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the final on Sunday.

Some say it’s our food, with its variety and unique tastes. Others are proud of our tourist destinations; Phuket stands out among many famous islands in Asia, while Chiang Mai is known for its Lanna culture. Many are pleased to promote Thailand’s history, which, as we are told in school, dates back over 700 years.

What’s does national pride mean for Singaporeans. The city state has just celebrated its 48th anniversary. They have a short history but show pride in infrastructure, food and the increasing power of women. Of course, Singapore is also renowned for its successful economy. 

Asked this question, many French people might say their language is a source of national pride.

But we need to be aware that national pride, like other things, can be subject to changes. Over time, without good planning, pride in something can be eroded. 

Visiting The Nation recently, Thierry Viteau, the French ambassador to Thailand, talked about issues concerning the French language. Some people are disgruntled at the fact that several universities in France are offering more courses in English. To Viteau, that change is vital to drawing students to France, as talented students around the world often discount France because courses are conducted mostly in French. Despite an abundance of knowledge to share, the dwindling number of foreign students in France means that knowledge is circulated only among those familiar with the language. 

Some French people may be displeased, but in the long term, overseas students are a source of income. Plus, they will become good ambassadors for French culture – to promote the popularity of French food and French products in their home countries. With greater income from foreign students, France can do more things to please its own citizens and to make them even prouder of their country. National pride might be hurt over the language issue, but not the country’s economy. 

Needless to say, people in Greece and Spain are growing more and more disgruntled, given the economic recession that has left around a quarter of workers unemployed.

To strengthen national pride among Thais, we need better planning.

Despite its young age, Singapore is already a high-income country – something that should make its people proud. Meanwhile, Thailand is still struggling to escape from the middle-income trap. 

Without good planning, Suvarnabhumi Airport will never be a source of national pride, given its declining status in global rankings. Without good planning, the declining rail network, introduced in King Rama V’s era, will never be restored to its past glory. Without good planning, our national pride in Thai boxing and Ratchanok’s victory could dissipate quickly. Without good planning, our food and famous tourist destinations could be forgotten over time. 

Many Thai restaurants overseas are actually owned by Chinese and Vietnamese, and many of them can’t properly cook our famous green curry and Thai-style omelette. Phuket and Pattaya are now infested with mafia gangs. Complaints are high regarding the absence of measures to sustainably promote Thai boxing and other sports. Chiang Mai is now growing in a directionless manner.  

Over time – which could be in the very near future given our politicians’ focus on short-term political gain and the public’s growing devotion to social media (a world of words, not action) – our national pride could wither away. Sigh!