Editor,

The ‘social commentary’ on ‘mia nois’ (PM 9/3/01 ) suggests many Thai females believe the antics of their men in this respect are tolerated because “some men stay little boys”. Isn’t it more true to say most women in Thailand are compelled to adopt such an attitude because being reliant upon their menfolk the women have no choice? Inferring their men ‘never grow up’ also sounds like the men don’t age mentally and is more traditionally ‘face-saving’ than admitting their men ‘never sexually mature’ which is much more accurate.

What female, Thai or otherwise would say the latter about her husband? Saving face is not just a Thai trait. The truth of the matter is that many men never do mature sexually and it applies the world over. Sadly most judge themselves by their self-perceived sexual prowess and even older ones who have scoffed at young drug users all their lives now gleefully revert to chemically induced sexual stimulation to kid themselves along.

What I find amusing is that reading some Mailbag letters anyone would think Pattaya has an abundance of men who possess profound knowledge of the female psyche. We all know that the vast majority of farang men are here because for one reason or another and whether justifiably or not they find the demands of achieving success in sexual coupling where they come from far too demeaning, demanding or even impossible. They simply don’t meet the ‘desirability’ criteria of half-decent women and even those in neighbouring countries wouldn’t consider these men suitable partners whether financially ‘well-heeled’ or not.

It isn’t too long ago that women in the west married for financial security but oh how times are changing. Women there no longer have to conform to the ‘rules of sexual engagement’ made up by ancient, pious, male control freaks and in growing numbers reject commitment to one male. …Not for always will the Thai women have to pander to the immaturity of men, either indigenous or the ones their European counterparts reject out of hand. The latter of course scour the world for places they can sexually exploit poverty.

Khai Khem ended the article “Ah the optimism of youth’ and referring to the younger Thai female attitude that the ‘old way’ will die a natural death. This was a similar attitude to that the Spanish elders had when their country started to attract package-holiday visitors in numbers. Those elders didn’t half get it wrong too and the Spanish female’s standing in their society is much improved. In Pattaya it seems not only farangs try to ignore the winds of change.

Dear Pattaya Mail,

Lately I have been reading a lot in your paper about the Gay Charity Festival. Some opinions have been favorable, others phobic, and others just plain ignorant.

For the past five (5) years that I have lived in Pattaya I have seen a lot of charitable work being done for the disabled, underprivileged people of Pattaya and I must say I have been so proud to be a part of such a giving community. Why people are bashing The GCF (sic) is beyond me. Charity knows no prejudice, knows no color and knows no race.

I would like to thank the GCF for donating one year’s salary for a physiotherapist that the Bangakong Home for the Disabled very desperately need. I honestly don’t think these deserving people will be put off that a Gay charity has given them this wonderful opportunity, once again and on behalf of the Bangakong Home, Thank You!

Sincerely,

Editor;

After reviewing numerous past issues of the Pattaya Mail, and specifically the Letters column, I feel compelled to write one of my own. I have recently returned to Pattaya, my home, from an extended trip to the States that included five weeks in New York City.

Nine years ago when I moved from the US to Thailand on a permanent basis New York was known as a corrupt, unsafe, and dirty city; you were literally taking your life into your own hands if you ventured into the transit system after rush hour. The streets were piled with rubbish and animal feces. The authorities were not to be relied on for relief from these matters. Tourism was at an all time low, people were moving from the city in droves all due to these circumstances, and everyone were continuously at each other’s throats.

Then they elected a new mayor who set out to enforce the existing statutes, not rewrite them. As a result of his concern and leadership New York is now cleaner, safer and attracting more visitors, in short, it’s a more than tolerable situation that has the people as the center of it’s interest. Anyone who tries to counter this is dealt with to the full extent of the law, as they well should be. Many people liken it to Neo-Fascism, but the fact is the results are positive and the only ones who suffer now are the perpetrators and not the general public.

Here in Pattaya, and throughout the rest of Thailand, it is not the lack of laws that is the problem, for they do exist, it is the lack of enforcement, and self-serving personal interests that is the root of the problems everyone continually bemoans. We, as farang, can do little to help but complain and worry, it is the Thai people who must take action and back up the people who can make a change. This requires more awareness, higher levels of education, civic duty, lack of selfish interest for personal gain and most importantly, real concern. Once these aspects are back on track they will see the direct result is a better community to live in and financial gain will also be the product of their efforts.

For what it’s worth,

Editor;

As you approach Big C from Pattaya Central, right in front of Big C there is liquid flowing down the road from a construction site. The foul smelling liquid smells suspiciously like raw sewage; one wonders if the construction workers, whoever, maybe have burst some form of sewage main, and City Hall must be unaware of the situation.

Being the community minded organisation that Pattaya Mail is I thought I might just bring this to your attention. This could well be dangerous to the health of tourist and local alike. I think something ought to be done about the situation.