[TCjwwhcY]

Visionchaser, this is for a speech that has to be done for my communications class. I had to chose a country of interest to me and find out about certain topics such as government, religion, ethics, etc. I've been in Christian schools my entire life and have learned how to please the professors by doing what they ask even if i disagree or could care less.

[TCjwwhcY]

Hi everyone! I'm new here so forgive me if i amnot doing things correctly. I have a few questions that i was hoping i could answered by people that were either born in Thailand or have lived there for quite some time. This is for a class and would realy appreciate some help, thanks. My email is freshjivehb11@yahoo.com

Government, Religion, Ethics

1. Q: What are the main religions in Thailand?
A:

2. Q: Do you go to church?
A:

3. Q: If so, how often do you go and how much of a priority is it in your life?
A:

4. Q: Are you free to choose any religion you desire?
A:

5. Q: If one chooses a religion that’s not the main religion are they treated any differently?
A:

6. Q: Is there any day that stores don’t operate due to religious restrictions?
A:

7. Q: Are there any religious holidays? Can you explain them?
A:

8. Q: What form of government does Thailand have?
A:

9. Q: How involved is the government in the lives of the citizens?
A:

10. Q: How much power do you, the citizens, have in how you are governed?
A:

11. Q: What kind of job opportunities there? Is it easy to get a job?
A:

12. Q: What is the most common type of occupation?
A:

13. Q: Does everyone have the ability to move up the social classes?
A:

14. Q: Have you or your parents or grandparents worked their way up the social classes?
A:

15. Q: Does the judicial system in Thailand support the death penalty?
A.:

16. Q: How numerous is the amount of police officers around your town or city streets or where you have been?
A:

17. Q: Is it common or uncommon to be treated unfairly by people in authoritative positions, such as a police officer or government official?
A:

18. Q: Do you think that the main source for people’s values and moral come from their religion or is it just something that is taught at a young age?
A:

[TCjwwhcY]

Thanks for being such a great help!

[gastabegree]

Ok here are more polite and more accurate answers.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
1. Q: What are the main religions in Thailand?

Buddism is primary at nearly 99%

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
2. Q: Do you go to church?

Most do not attend a church in the same way Americans view it, but most all do have an immensly revering attitude toward their religion, and many do not consider Buddism a religion so much as it is more of a way of life.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
3. Q: If so, how often do you go and how much of a priority is it in your life?

As in America the amount of tme tends to increase with the persons age and ###. But most Thai's do make it to the temple or make ammends at least a couple times per week.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
4. Q: Are you free to choose any religion you desire?

There really is not much for a choice, as mentioned they don't really view it as a religion, they simply view it is leading a 'good person's' life, i.e. the golden rule.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
5. Q: If one chooses a religion that’s not the main religion are they treated any differently?

With exception to the recent attacks from the Muslims in the South, but really outside of this there is not any right out discrimination as in the West.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
6. Q: Is there any day that stores don’t operate due to religious restrictions?

It really is up to the owners personal level of what he considers sacred.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
7. Q: Are there any religious holidays? Can you explain them?

Their are celebrations that relate to the full moon, there are holidays where you are not to go to other temples you spend the entire day at 'your own' temple. There are a few more but i am not sure of the details.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
8. Q: What form of government does Thailand have?

Democratic Monarchy

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
9. Q: How involved is the government in the lives of the citizens?

The people have much respect for the good the government does for them.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
10. Q: How much power do you, the citizens, have in how you are governed?

Thai people can vote if that is what you mean.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
11. Q: What kind of job opportunities there? Is it easy to get a job?

Similar as USA, work in a car factory, plastic factory, as a lawyer, a CPA, A teacher etc...

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
12. Q: What is the most common type of occupation?

Farming or Factory Labor.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
13. Q: Does everyone have the ability to move up the social classes?

not often from an extremely low social class, but mid level to upper can be done. It is not as easy as the USA, but certainly can be done. If I recall Thaksin even is a self-made man.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
14. Q: Have you or your parents or grandparents worked their way up the social classes?

My wife's family only moved up the social ladder when we bought them a tractor, they are still poor farm family though.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
15. Q: Does the judicial system in Thailand support the death penalty?

Yes, in extreme cases. Many times in the past this also has applied to some drug tafficking.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
16. Q: How numerous is the amount of police officers around your town or city streets or where you have been?

Minimal where I have been.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
17. Q: Is it common or uncommon to be treated unfairly by people in authoritative positions, such as a police officer or government official?

Depends on where you are, it is always possible, about the same statistics as USA for this one I think. Police often do accept bribes for minor traffic offenses, but I really doubt they are as crooked as some make them out to be. I mean murder is considerably different from a speeding ticket.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
18. Q: Do you think that the main source for people’s values and moral come from their religion or is it just something that is taught at a young age?

Family Social structure, and religion both. The difference is in Thailand young people are forced to respect, because you have nothing but this in the end. The respect Thai's show to everything and everyone usually is what stuns most foriegners.

[Inenuedbabnor]

Sure, Thailand has its religious holidays.

There is the 'Start of Buddhist Lent' Days (Khao Phansa) (Asabucha) and 'End of Buddhist Lent' Day (Awk Phansa).

Can just think of these from the top of me head.

Not a great time for beer guzzling tourists as alcohol for sale is forbidden and all the decent places are closed at nights. But, of course this is Thailand and you can still buy drinks served in a coffee cup as to fool the helly-belly cops.

Thailand is 85% Buddhist. 10% Islam and 5% a mix up of Christian Karens, Catholics and Hindus.

[euylvaygdq]

Sounds like a Christian agenda to me. You wouldn't happen to be doing this for a Christian school project, would you? BTW, if you take a few minutes to browse the site, you can find the answers to most of your questions quite easily.

[gastabegree]

Hey wait!

Now that is honesty! Please stop back in a few minutes, I will modify the answers. I appreciate that kind of candor and honesty. Check back in 10 minutes.

[Atmotteenrift]

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 24 2005,01:39)]I appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions and i understand your criticisms for them having a Christian slant to them. I go to a Christian college so i am forced to make those types of questions. I didnt come to this school for the religion,i came for the education. Thanks for your time. I truly appreciate it.

nice guy.. don't take it too seriously...

if u're looking for Thai to help answer ur questionaires, I think u'll be disappointed...

good luck...

[TCjwwhcY]

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REPLIES. tHIS IS GOIN TO HELP ME SO MUCH. tHANKS FOR THE CHANGE OF HEART STACKER!

[gastabegree]

OK I will bite, I am obnoxious enough to go for this one. Forgive the sarcasm, I am not known as a nice person. Perhaps We could give some better answers if all the questions were not slanted toward a religious cause. Maybe keeping in mind the biblical term 'words seasoned' or the term 'when in rome do as..." I can't think of any Thai people rushing to a Christian group and asking such questions but who knows.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
1. Q: What are the main religions in Thailand?

Buddism

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
2. Q: Do you go to church?

All people in Thailand practice in some way or another.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
3. Q: If so, how often do you go and how much of a priority is it in your life?

Life is more important than impressing your neighbors in Thailand.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
4. Q: Are you free to choose any religion you desire?

It is called free will, something that all humans have, so of course.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
5. Q: If one chooses a religion that’s not the main religion are they treated any differently?

Certainly as they would anywhere else. You are an American, i am sure you treat Jehovah's Witnesses quite differently than you do a Catholic.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
6. Q: Is there any day that stores don’t operate due to religious restrictions?

No.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
7. Q: Are there any religious holidays? Can you explain them?

Not really, though Christmas has been imported these days.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
8. Q: What form of government does Thailand have?

Democratic Monarchy

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
9. Q: How involved is the government in the lives of the citizens?

The people have much respect for the good the government does for them.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
10. Q: How much power do you, the citizens, have in how you are governed?

Thai people can vote if that is what you mean.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
11. Q: What kind of job opportunities there? Is it easy to get a job?

Similar as USA, work in a car factory, plastic factory, as a lawyer, a CPA, A teacher etc...

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
12. Q: What is the most common type of occupation?

Farming or Factory Labor.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
13. Q: Does everyone have the ability to move up the social classes?

Of course, if one is willing to educate themselves. It is not as easy as the USA, but certainly can be done. If I recall Thaksin even is a self-made man.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
14. Q: Have you or your parents or grandparents worked their way up the social classes?

I am white.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
15. Q: Does the judicial system in Thailand support the death penalty?

Yes, in extreme cases.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
16. Q: How numerous is the amount of police officers around your town or city streets or where you have been?

Minimal where I have been.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
17. Q: Is it common or uncommon to be treated unfairly by people in authoritative positions, such as a police officer or government official?

Depends on where you are, it is always possible, about the same statistics as USA for this one I think.

Quote[/b] (interested american @ Sep. 22 2005,22:26)]
18. Q: Do you think that the main source for people’s values and moral come from their religion or is it just something that is taught at a young age?

Family Social structure, and religion both. The difference is in Thailand young people are forced to respect, because you have nothing but this in the end.

[TCjwwhcY]

I appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions and i understand your criticisms for them having a Christian slant to them. I go to a Christian college so i am forced to make those types of questions. I didnt come to this school for the religion,i came for the education. Thanks for your time. I truly appreciate it.

[euylvaygdq]

Quote[/b] ]I go to a Christian college so i am forced to make those types of questions. I didnt come to this school for the religion,i came for the education.

Beware of an institution of higher learning that "forces" you to ask specific types of questions. Agenda driven research is confounded by a confirmation bias, and it isn't worth doing. I teach at a public university (research methods and various other courses) and I would never tell my students what questions to ask. My role is to teach them to think critically, and let that process take them wherever it leads. However, a good research question is predicated on some a priori observations that cause one to think the question is worth answering. Is this an anthropology course, comparative religions, sociology, or something else?

[TCjwwhcY]

Tkanks Bucky. I had to try. Maybe next time i will have better questions. O well....

[cokLoolioli]

Off your school topic, why choose Thailand? How long have you been fascinated with Thailand. What begain your interest in Thailand.

Of course if you don't mind answering a few questions