Embracing the diversity of Thailand

Thailand is a popular holiday destination for Australians. This week SSO spotlights gay Thailand, the tourist trade and political instability.

Bangkok-raised Kris Phadungkiatipong, 28, believes the current Thai government has greater concerns beyond passing progressive social legislation.

The government wouldn’t bother about anything but their own stability at the moment. It is important to fix the government first and then everything else will follow from that.

The ramifications of the recent coup d’etat are still being felt. In 2006 the government, led by Thaksin Shinawatra, was overthrown amidst allegations of corruption. The junta proceeded to write a new constitution and appointed members to the legislature.

Beyond the stability issue, Kris also believes a generational change is required.

Thailand needs a new generation of politicians, who are more open to helping gay people.

Political activism amongst young Thais doesn’t seem to be a priority. We don’t have any gay organisations to stand up for our rights, Kris said.

Despite the almost complete lack of anti-discrimination or equality legislation, Thailand is extremely accepting of diversity.

It comes from the nature of the people. We have blended with other cultures and are open to change. We never want to fight, never want war, Kris said.

The best example of this acceptance is the katoey, male-to-female transgender people. Katoey have their place in Thai culture and can be celebrities in their own right.

Kris recalls that while he was studying eco-tourism at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, boys would come to class wearing skirts.

Young kids are really out there and open with their sexuality today, he said.

Kris believes websites such as the social networking site, hi5.com, have helped boys to come out of the closet at a much earlier age. He also says that many television programs and films feature gay characters as part of the norm of society.

The katoey Nong Tum is known internationally for her role in the film Beautiful Boxer, and the Iron Ladies, a gay volleyball team, featured in the film The Iron Ladies, which also spawned a sequel.

Many katoeys find work in entertainment venues, performing as drag artists in cabaret shows. The most famous nightclubs for these shows are in Pattaya, namely Alcazar and Tiffany’s.

The shows are very popular, sold out every night. The performers are professional and look like real women, Kris said.

These cabaret shows cater to a tourist market similar to that of the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

As a result of the open culture, Thailand is seen by the West as a mecca for gay tourists. With a constant flow of tourists follows a demand for local services, and the locals seem to be ready with the supply.

I think it’s sad. I don’t blame the boys. They grow up in very poor families, generally in the countryside. If people get an education it will change, Kris said.

I just hope tourists come to Thailand for more than just sex. I hope they appreciate the culture, the beautiful food.

Kris, who’s been studying in Sydney since 2006, noticed a significant difference between Thailand and Australia.

Gay bashing was completely new to me. I had never heard of it before I arrived. I find it so surprising that just because you have a different sexual preference you are targeted, Kris said.

It was always my dream to live and gain life experience away from Thailand.
Thailand -¦ a land of colour, diversity and acceptance.