Celebrating Cultural and Racial Diversity in Thailand

Today is Friday and students across Thailand are encouraged to dress in their traditional dress. In Sangkha Buri (SKB), you will be able to see more traditional dress on Friday as SKB is next to Burma border and there are many races like Burmese, Karen, Mon, Indian, Muslim, etc. You can see students coming to school in different styles and color clothing. It is really a sight that we hope to see in Malaysia. Notice that 2 Muslim girls in the pictures that are about to “wai” the teachers as they enter the school gates.

Besides creating an all inclusive school environment, the parent gets to involve in helping dress their children. They too learn the ethnic diversity and understand and tolerate the cultural difference and diversity.

Students in their traditional Dress

 

 

Burmese themed Lamp Post

I also noticed that the street lights have Burmese characters being installed as shown in the other pictures. These lights were newly installed as I did not notice them on my last visits. Won’t Installing the symbols of Thai arch enemy (Burma and Siam fought many battles in the past) in the Thailand make Thais lose face? It only shows the magnanimous and generosity of the Thais.

 

Food for thought

An inclusive society will see each group compliment the strength of the others and help each other group to improve and prosper. Exclusiveness will only create animosity among the oppressed groups and break the social fabric of society. It further creates tension and stress for both oppressor and the oppressed. Each group will get edgy and constantly on the lookout for slightest provocation.  This happens now in Malaysia. Instead of doing productive works, people are engaging in politics.

Malaysia should capitalize on its cultural diversity and garner the best of all races for nation building. Trying to create one race up on the rest is not only short sighted and out of touch with reality. Soon water will find its own level.  

Today is the last day working in a Malaysia local bank after many failed attempts to stop active working. Thanks for many of my colleagues and friends who throw farewell lunch gatherings. I have stopped giving speeches after retirement in such gatherings since I don't really know if I can keep my words of not getting back to work. But suffice to say that the feeling is always "sad to go but happy to leave" Many asked what I would like to do after retirements. In Facebook, I can learn some experiences posted by friends of my age.

 But what I really wanted to try but never had a chance is to do some volunteering works.

Although I have given monetary contribution to some organization, I have physically involved. Now looks look it will be a good chance for me to get involved. I have go to the organization to have a look at the conditions before deciding what to do next. I will be heading for a place known as Sangkhlaburi in the border of Thailand-Burma. The place is known as http://www.baanunrak.org/ There is another know known as http://baandada.org/ I will be there for a weeks as visitor and will be staying with a friend.