We're sick of the Ministry of Culture

[Bruce551]

New Facebook group: We're sick of the Ministry of Culture

Don't come after me, I'm in Dubai (seriously), and I have no idea who founded a new Facebook group, which is attracting robust clicks: It's prominently titled "We're sick of the Ministry of Culture."

Except a few well-coiffed ladies, who isn't? Our Ministry of (non)Culture is incredibly creative in cooking up unnecessary scandals due solely to their Jurassic outlook, authoritarian leanings and the staunch refusal to live in the real world. The straw that breaks a camel's back (please permit the metaphor

I'm drifting on an Emirati desert) is the latest incident that took place this week: Two web posters, one of them my source, were threatened with a lawsuit by one of the Culture Ministry's well-known watchdogs (she's human, by the way) after they posted critical messages on the popular Pantip web forum disparaging the antediluvian policies of our inglorious ministry.

The messages, for instance, discussed the regressive tendency of the ministry as well as its dogged refusal to encourage cultural diversity by sticking to the narrow-minded definition of what Thai culture is.

My source cited a name in his comments: Ladda Tangsupachai, the watchdog chief who has a low opinion on modern art, love songs, non-Thai fashion, and so on.

Their comments, though anonymous, weren't one of those childish rants that the majority of web posters have become infamous for; instead they are thoughtful, fierce and backed with evidence and public pronouncements of the aforementioned ministry's official. And here's the kick: my source posted those comments AFTER the ministry, in the same web forum, publicly INVITED Internet users to comment on the performance of the ministry.

Then there's a twist. It turned out that another web poster who was threatened with a lawsuit actually works for the ministry, in the cultural surveillance department lorded over by Ladda herself, and he was the one who initiated the discussion on the performace of the ministry with the aim of gathering ideas from the public to present to his superior.

The guy's name is Sampan Ruksa, and this week he was apparently forced to post, on the same web forum and signed with his real name, his public apology to the ministry and to his supervisor, after allegedly being threatened with police presence.

Isn't this the feudal mindset at its most arrogant? Aren't those men and women working at the ministry, every ministry, "civil servants"?

Servants. No wonder a number of people have quickly clicked to "Become a Fan" of the new Facebook forum.

Link: http://th-th.facebook.com/pages/Were-sick-of-Ministry-of-Culture-in-Thailand/194137772053

And it'd be phenomenally stupid of the watchdogs to assume that only idle teenagers are Facebook users, and thus their views are dispensible. The more the conservative wing of the ministry -- which is the dominant wing -- continues to display their pathetic inability to understand what's going on outside their self-constructed cocoon of "morality" and "values", the more they're feeding the bonfire of frustration and radicalism.

The more rabidly they want to censor, the more they'll drive people to hatch underground vendetta -- and the power of technology will be on their side.

Poor ministry. They still don't get it that the most important culture is the culture of constructive criticism and free expression.

Don't come after me, I'm in Dubai.

:roll:

[LakeGeneve]

The Big Brother of the Cultural Surveillance Dept has 1.3 million snoopers in the country according to this article in the Post today. Bloody scary stuff;

Volunteers keep a close guard on Thai culture: 1.3m people from across the country help watch, read and browse the media for inappropriate content, Post 09/01/09

Every day 1.3 million volunteers from 4,825 networks across the country watch television, listen to the radio, browse the internet, watch movies in cinemas and on video discs, and read magazines and newspapers. We all do at least some of these things ourselves, but the volunteers do not just do it simply for pleasure as we might. The volunteers are monitoring the media for anything that might be inappropriate so they can bring it to the attention of the Cultural Surveillance Department.

The agency on the 18th floor of Thanalongkorn Tower in Bang Phlat district is charged with safeguarding our culture. It informs the public of threats and warns agencies, and the producers of the offensive content, so that they can take action to limit the damage to Thai culture. For example, the Information and Communications (ICT) Ministry would be alerted to any website found posting inappropriate messages.

However, with only nine officials, it is impossible for these self-described "culture police" to perform their task alone. In addition to the major media, whether print or electronic, they even have to monitor billboards, posters, calendars and the like. Thus the need for help from volunteer networks. "The surveillance work also requires all to work because the networks live closer to the people," department chief Ladda Tangsupachai said.

"Most of the complaints are lodged by parents. "The internet, television and the print media are always top of the list for containing inappropriate information that affects our cultural identity." In this age of communication, people can readily get information through all manner of media, be it mobile phones, television, newspapers, books, songs, billboards and the internet.

This information can have a positive or a negative affect on the consumers, so it is necessary to have someone to observe the media so they do not harm the culture, Ms Ladda said. "If we find smoke somewhere, then we will immediately inform the appropriate organisations to put it out," Ms Ladda said. The Cultural Surveillance Department opened its doors 14 years ago. Back then it was under the Education Ministry before it was transferred to the Culture Ministry in 2002.

Standing in front of dozens of TV monitors, Ladda Tangsupachai, head of the Cultural Surveillance Department, vows to keep a close eye on Thai culture. APICHART JINAKUL

[Bruce551]

A Total Surveillance Society-Thailand-Corporate Military backed police state.

[eagle]

A Total Surveillance Society-Thailand-Corporate Military backed police state.

ahhh a democracy

[yeahrightdennis]

I had no idea that they did stuff like this. This is pretty interesting.

[Admin_2]

So ya...no boobies on TF.

:cry:

[skomaladat]

She is serious in her work, but personally a good person

[English_Bob]

She's outdated, out of touch and strident. She wasn't elected to this position and now decides what a nation of 60. million can read, watch or listen to.

What qualifications did she get to deserve this position?

[submissiv]

she knows someone thats the best way to get a work in Thailand. You do not need any education its enough that you know people. Same as Thai air the board of directors have been sitting there and picking there friends from the start. Very gooooood for Thailand.

[LakeGeneve]

A Total Surveillance Society-Thailand-Corporate Military backed police state.

Sounds like your referring to China!

[skomaladat]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

[English_Bob]

She's doing a great job(!)

I couldn't see the movie where the monk played a guitar!

Every year she issues a warning to Thai girls not to wear spaghetti tops at Songkran.

Thousands of websites blocked.

Censorship at its worst.

If you want to argue for a politician, you'd do better to choose one with some accomplishments, instead of one with their own hate page on Facebook!

[Nelis]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

Are you one of her spies or something?

[skomaladat]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

Are you one of her spies or something?

a. My family background ranged from Colonels (Army and Police)

b. I assist the Ministry of Tourism (TAT) through my University, based on my researches on enhancing tourism and travel sites. I write and publish forums to the effect

c. I am an Assistant Professor (Bachelor and Master Courses) and on various panels having discussions with foreign Universities to conduct courses in Bangkok (qualified students will hold foreign Bachelor and/or Master Degrees

d. From the courses, I need not mention my own qualification

e. My family name (Komaladat) was honorably bestowed by King Rama V to my Grandfather

f. If I were a spy, you would not have so much information. 007 is not related to me

g. But, I do have a minor rank

h. But, I am a stupid person ... very stupid indeed

Hope you appreciate my simple resume.....How about recommending me another career

Best Regards

Sue

[Stramash]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

Are you one of her spies or something?

a. My family background ranged from Colonels to Generals (Army and Police)

b. I assist in the Ministry of Tourism (TAT).

c. I am an Assistant Professor (Bachelor and Master Courses) and on various panels having discussions with foreign Universities to conduct courses in Bangkok (qualified students will hold foreign Bachelor and/or Master Degrees

d. From the courses, I need not mention my own qualification

e. My family name (Komaladat) was honorably bestowed by King Rama V to my Grandfather

f. If I were a spy, you would not have so much information

g. But, I am not a stupid person ... very stupid indeed

Hope you appreciate my simple resume.....How about recommending me another career

Best Regards

Sue

with such an excellent resume Sue, I nominate you to take over the Ministry!!

While the ethos behind the Ministry; protecting Thai culture from dilution of too many foreign ideas and ideals may be honourable, you have to be wary of creating an isolationist system that will hold the Nation back. Thailand should be the, or one of the, leading economy(ies) in S E Asia. But instead is being overtaken by others.

Censorship is a dangerous tool, especially in the hands of those who consider vested interests above all else.

[skomaladat]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and

with such an excellent resume Sue, I nominate you to take over the Ministry!!

While the ethos behind the Ministry; protecting Thai culture from dilution of too many foreign ideas and ideals may be honourable, you have to be wary of creating an isolationist system that will hold the Nation back. Thailand should be the, or one of the, leading economy(ies) in S E Asia. But instead is being overtaken by others.

Censorship is a dangerous tool, especially in the hands of those who consider vested interests above all else.

Sorry Iain_D, while you quoted and reply, I was busy editing my reply. Some minor changes

My most humble apology :oops:

[Nelis]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

Are you one of her spies or something?

a. My family background ranged from Colonels (Army and Police)

b. I assist the Ministry of Tourism (TAT) through my University, based on my researches on enhancing tourism and travel sites. I write and publish forums to the effect

c. I am an Assistant Professor (Bachelor and Master Courses) and on various panels having discussions with foreign Universities to conduct courses in Bangkok (qualified students will hold foreign Bachelor and/or Master Degrees

d. From the courses, I need not mention my own qualification

e. My family name (Komaladat) was honorably bestowed by King Rama V to my Grandfather

f. If I were a spy, you would not have so much information. 007 is not related to me

g. But, I do have a minor rank

h. But, I am a stupid person ... very stupid indeed

Hope you appreciate my simple resume.....How about recommending me another career

Best Regards

Sue

So eh, that's a "yes" then?

[skomaladat]

So eh, that's a "yes" then?

Guess getting too old to try. But, can you recommend me where to purchase a copy of "Spy for Dummies"?

Best Regards

Sue :roll:

[Stramash]

So eh, that's a "yes" then?

Guess getting too old to try. But, can you recommend me where to purchase a copy of "Spy for Dummies"?

Best Regards

Sue :roll:

Think better to send Nelis 'Understanding forum posts for dummies'

For you Sue, copy of 'How to use forum quote boxes for dummies' is on way...

:wink:

[Nelis]

So eh, that's a "yes" then?

Guess getting too old to try. But, can you recommend me where to purchase a copy of "Spy for Dummies"?

Best Regards

Sue :roll:

Think better to send Nelis 'Understanding forum posts for dummies'

For you Sue, copy of 'How to use forum quote boxes for dummies' is on way...

:wink:

I do have a minor rank she says..... Does that mean at the ministry of culture? That's what I understood from her post.

[CiaranM]

Background on Political Science, Psychology and Computer Science. Phd and Colonel. Very influential. Work is very regimental, no nonsense. Social life the complete opposite, yet humble. Other than her work in the Ministry, she has many advisors inclusive of Child Care Specialists, University Professors, Police and Military.

she sounds like the thai version of iris robinson !!

and yes ,,, she is a f**king retard !!!!

[SoBeIt]

From Note Udom Daew 7

He gave us many example how idiot Thai censorship are..

I laugh my ass off coz it is so true..

They blur things as the followings..

- Shizuka's boobies when she has a shower..

- A naked model (like the one in the tailor shop) in MegaCleaver Show (Science experiment thingies show)

- Van's Gogh's pipe in his potrait painting..

I cannot find that original pix from the TV but you can imagine how stupid one can be to do the censorship at thing like these..

Rest in Peace..

[pandorea]

- Van's Gogh's pipe in his potrait painting..

I cannot find that original pix from the TV but you can imagine how stupid one can be to do the censorship at thing like these..

Rest in Peace..

Personally, I found that blur thing on every smoking scene is very silly.

[DANNO]

I am shocked!!!

shocked to discover that Vincent Van would smoke :!:

I now will become even more devient MUUAHHHHH :twisted:

[FrancoisP]

Well, karaoke destroy more thai culture than many other things...

I did travel from north to south thailand in 2006. In cities like Udon, Khon Kaen and Korat, i was afraid of seing people trying to copy" US way of life", as it seems to be the be purpose of their life!

Another viewpoint: budhism is really one of the best philosophy in the world, but too many people treat it like a.. religion... And in many temples, evidence sign of devotion show and collecting money in many ways seems to be more important than deep philosophy practice.

Returning to people's culture also means being away from materialism sometimes.