สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II - 2010 Sobha Spielmann constitutes a major draw back of Thai cities. Both these deficiencies are interconnected, because when few look out for the common good there is little space left or reserved for the meeting of peoples – other than for sleeping, moving about or working. People sleep, commute or work; they do not meet out in the open. Present Uneven Relations Given these values and traditions the country appears not particularly well prepared for modern dialogue or equipped for open discourse between society’s major stakeholders, such a dialogue commonly requires two sides standing on an even keel. Where one clearly holds the dominating position and so is provided with far greater resources and power and thus may (attempt to) order or dictate at will, there is no need or reason for entering into conversation that could eventually lead to compromise and thus, probably, loss of face. This is very much the case in Thailand where authorities traditionally hold the upper hand – by default. These can thus choose to act at will, even in paternalistic and authoritative ways, rule over, and apply pressure, use force or coercion in their dealings with the public at large. More such lopsided relations exist within the institutions of law enforcement and the armed forces too, even with the academic sector. The private sector mirrors such uneven power relations – probably taking even a lead – with employers having the upper hand and at times demonstrating this air of superiority, while employees, workers and unions in general are unable to withstand this pressure and, overall, have proven powerless. Invariably, some one is higher or lower, in control or controlled and from the very outset all find their place within a strong hierarchy. Opinions – especially if diverging from the accepted ‘norm’ or prescribed values - must be kept within and not expressed. Hence, society lacks an apt security valve for letting off pressure as well as offering opportunities for informal and non-offensive discourse between proponents of diverging views. Its presence could have led to reducing confrontation and thus preventing open conflict. Instruments for reducing or resolving public strife by peaceful means, such as a ‘Peace and Reconciliation Commission’ are not in place. A characteristic of traditional Thai culture – as in quite a few other Asian countries - is the subordination of an individual under the head of the family as well as under a comprehensive system of seniority which is enforced by the ever-present fear of losing face and thus dignity. It is an effective but not overt form of social control which does present itself in this way and hence does not need any ‘sanctions’ to maintain its existence.