A Misinterpretation Overseas in Thailand

I have been in and out of Thailand over the years and either went to the Philippines next or China. An occasional stop in Jakarta was made once and awhile. Mostly, the people were friendly towards unknowing Americans. And for sure, we do not know everything.

They would guide us and make sure we were safe. One time I was warned about this phenomenon of not discussing the king and given the reasons why. As the story is told in the April 10 version of the Bangkok Post, negative comments are greatly frowned upon. The result of a comment of going to a Thai jail is not something you want to experience.

For reference, Phitsanulok is a city municipality in northern Thailand and in the province of the same name. I spent some time there while going to the plant during the day. Apparently, my manager wanted me there due to an employee (stationed there) issue.

Back to Paul Chambers . . .

I had a nice room in a local hotel for a week and each day the room was cleaned by a maid. I would leave ~50 Baht give or take what change I had. She would leave a flower in a vase. The extra money is important to them We did similar in other parts of Thailand and the Philippines, They were poor. What little we left made a difference. In Bangkok, the poverty was more open.

It puzzles me as to why Paul Chambers would make a stupid remark about the royal family. He had been there a while, years to be exact. If he mingled with the locals, he would know his remarks would be an issue. He would also know the trouble the remark could cause.

Nothing like being the ugly American and setting the stage for the next American showing up at their doorstep. Mr. Chambers is not the most svelte person to be seen either. Behind his back, the Thais would more than likely be making fun of him and his belly.

Meanwhile, Paul Chambers has been granted bail awaiting his trial on a charge of royal defamation. He will still face the threat of having his visa to stay in Thailand revoked

The one thing supporting his innocence on his behalf is a single sentence (taken from the last article): “Chambers’ supporters said the blurb for the webinar, which was cited in his charge sheet as evidence, was not written by him.”

Now, it is beginning to sound like a misinterpretation of something he said. If they were reporting based upon what they heard, it just may have been interpreted differently than what the American Paul Chambers had actually said. One of the faults with the American language is how it is interpreted by others. Without his having been asked to explain his meaning or correct the article, he fell victim to their understanding.

CNN: Fortunately, State prosecutors in Thailand announced Thursday they don’t intend to press charges against an American academic arrested for royal defamation. The local police will also have a say on this and may chose differently.

Long story short, be careful of what you say or how you say it when traveling. Although, I have found the people of Thailand speak very good English and their understanding is superb. Plus most appear to like Americans.

~~~~~~~

References:

Bangkok Post, “American charged with royal insult granted bail”

“Paul Chambers: Prosecutors in Thailand drop royal defamation case against US scholar.” CNN

Bangkok Post, “Thai-US trade talks stall over “lese majeste” charge against scholar Chambers”