I went to Thailand, and all I got was a Muay Thai session

By Zaleha Kr
Photos By Esther Chung and Amanda Sangeetha Thomas

Muay Thai is the ancient battlefield art of Thailand that was first used by Siamese warriors. Known as the “Science of Eight Limbs”, it views the human body as a powerful fighting machine where the basic maneuvers include the use of knees, elbows, hands and feet. Fighters of this sport are challenged physically by the intense training and dedication they put into their performance, not to mention the potential irreversible scars and bruises. To a Muay Thai fighter, a fight isn’t only a physical contest, but also a mental one as it involves a lot of strategic thinking in order to overcome his opponent. To a newbie (like me), it did involve a way-too-early morning, sleep deprivation, and the thoughts of having potential bragging rights – that was my drive! Although I was constantly telling myself “Waking up tomorrow is going to be great…”, I didn’t really know that the outcome of a training session with professional Muay Thai fighters at Jitti Gym would be one of the most intense work-out sessions of my life.

The best work out in your life will begin at, JittiGym

I was feeling pumped and ready to rumble as soon as I saw the fighting ring. From the tying of the hemp romp, to the warming up routine, I knew that I was already running on adrenaline and I could not wait to start my first training session. According to preliminary research, traditional Muay Thai fighters used to wear hemp on their hands, and were known to apply resin to the hemp and then dip their hands in broken glass – luckily, a custom that is no longer practiced!

These trainers from Jitti Gym meant business. As I was observing their fast punches and swift kicks, it was already clear that these techniques could potentially leave a person with a concussion when full force is applied. In real fights between two boxers, the injuries suffered are real and lethal…so this sport is definitely not for the faint hearted (even though it was so awesome to watch a live match).

Warming up, before the kick-ass session starts

When my turn came, I didn’t expect to feel an overwhelming sense of nervousness and aggression. So, I punched as fast as I could and kicked as hard as I could…and it felt great! I couldn’t believe the burst of adrenaline that I was getting as I was swinging my body to maximize my impact on the training pads held by a trainer. The only thing that was distracting me from pushing myself to the limit was the feeling of dehydration and fatigue. Perhaps kicking the trainer onto the ground went a little too far (yeaaah, kinda got a little carried away there…) but I can honestly say the feeling of empowerment during those 15 minutes of intense training was on another level. All I could think of at the time was how I could utilize my limbs to my advantage and take that trainer down. Perhaps I am influenced by too many martial art movies and video games, but one thing I am certain of is that I am definitely going to be feeling this tomorrow…

Overconfidence will eventually, bring a girl down.

Zaleha Kr, 22, is in her final year in Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Studies and Communications. At 22, she still enjoys piggy-backs, Heinz Farley rusks and engaging in philosophical debates with 1 year olds. Currently looking for Waldo

Stereotype or not: of Transgenders in the Thai Community

By Nandhini Radhakrishnan

Bangkok, Thailand is well-known for its diverse and rich culture, seen to embrace both the Thai culture and its notorious night life. Thailand is not only highly sought after by tourists for its shopping and authentic culture, but is often assumed to be a society that accepts various cultures and people, including the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual) community. This however, is a false imagery of the country as what truly permeates the Thai society is incessant stereotyping of the LGBT community.

Transgender is seen at every other corner of Bangkok, giving the impression that Bangkok is truly a diverse community, willing to accept the LGBT community. Although, on the surface, it may seem like Bangkok is tolerant of this community and even to a certain extent proud of them through their promotion of nightlife as a part of their tourism aspect, existing stereotypes that pervade this community is rather surprising.

For one, visibility cannot be equated to acceptance, tolerance, and equality.

Thailand, having one of the most notable transgender communities in the world does not recognise the rights of the LGBT community. This has resulted in employment difficulties amongst the LGBT community, as they are not given the equal right of a human being to attain work in the professional field. This has resulted in them being only able to work in retail shops and at pubs and clubs. They are never allowed to hold a professional job title such as doctor, judge, or teacher because the LGBT is considered to be of bad influence and of unstable mind. Labels such as “mentally deficient” and “morally defective” are commonly placed upon these members of the society. These negative views of the LGBT community are usually claimed by authoritative figures as being derived from Buddhist beliefs that karma has caused this upon them due to sins such as adultery, made in their past life. Many Buddhists on the other hand, contest these claims, saying that Buddhism teaches and practices indiscrimination.

Thailand also does not allow same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised. While Thailand is known for its liberal stance on sexuality, it is actually quite uncommon to see Thai males showing affection due to societal pressures and stereotypes against them.

Despite such stereotypes of the LGBT community, there exists a party that pushes for change in the way that this community is being viewed. For example, Rainbow Sky,

Thailand’s first officially registered gay association, is a private non-profit organisation working for better quality of life for, and the sexual health issues of, Thailand’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

For example, Gay pride parades are held in Thailand with the aim of encouraging the LGBT community to stand proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride parades and protests that have occurred in Thailand stand as testimony of the struggles faced by the LGBT community and of strength that they place in claiming democracy, liberality, and human rights.

Nandhini Radhakrishnan, 20, is a double degree undergraduate majoring in Banking and Finance/Communications and minoring in Journalism.

Loyalty of Thai People: The Etiology, Influences, Impacts and Identification of the Royal Family as Part of being 'Thai'

By Seow Choon Hui

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)

While strolling along the streets of Bangkok, one would inevitably notice huge portraits of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), gloriously framed with elaborate yellow or golden coloured altar boards and oversized photo frames. One would also notice HM’s image on an altars, adorned with ornaments and offerings. This to me seems to portray more than just respect. It portrays deep admiration for the King with HM’s Oath of Succession to the Throne:

"We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."

HM has been the political and social leader for over 60 years. He has witnessed the come and go of 27 Prime Ministers, making him the longest reigning monarch in the world. Thailand follows a constitutional monarchy which thus places HM as the key political player. His main focus has been to better the livelihood of the Thai people, especially in rural areas. He has also played peacekeeper between political opponents during the many political upheavals in recent Thai history. With past and recent political turmoil faced by Thailand, the King has stood by the Thai people as their pillar of righteousness and as a guiding light.

HM has been introduced as a man of talents, fashioning a concept of kingship that meets a rapidly changing society. The decision to bring the monarchy a step closer (literally) to the provincial population can be considered a felicitous one as the people used to feel ignored by the supreme. Since 1955, the King has been on the road and is the first Thai King to have seen every single corner of his kingdom. During his visits, he brought medical teams as well as surveyors to plan the connection of towns and villages. He also helped with irrigation problems considering that the majority of Thais were farmers, dependent solely on the fruitfulness of their crops for income. He has also eradicated the opium growing culture of many hill tribes from the north, and proposed substitutions with valuable crops. It was not until recently that the King stopped his travels due to health problems. Nevertheless, his team has continued following his instruction.

HM being more than just a ruler.

It is the weight of the King’s moral leadership that could end political strife and re-establish stability on various occasions. As the patron of religious matters, he promoted an understanding among Muslims and the majority of Thais. HM’s compassion and empathic nature was also said to have allowed sanctuary for refugees from the Indochinese conflicts.

Apart from the praises and confidence from the Thai people, members of foreign communities in Thailand and even royal members such as Prince Andrew of England have expressed tremendous amount of admiration for HM. Certainly, the endless tributes towards HM from the Thais are unquestionable. Nevertheless, this statement by The late Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj, the 13th prime minister of Thailand sums up the magnitude of the King's impact on his people's lives:

"...I have lived through many reigns but I have never seen any king of any reign that all people of this country seem to think that HM the King belongs to them and gives so much respect and reverence up close and personal as I see today... the kinds of prior reigns had ruled the land. But HM the king of this present reign has ruled the hearts of the people..."

Perhaps, the rest of the world may see this admiration as a form of cultivated practive from fear, survival, or tradition. To me on the other hand, it is a commendable act of respect professed towards the guardian of their country. I believe that their reverence should be model to other citizens as a sign of true patriotism and a symbol of confidence towards their motherland and its king.

Seow Choon Hui, 22 is a Bachelor's degree holder double majoring in psychology and communications. With the semester coming to an end, he is currently stuck between the limbo of his last term and the taunting realm of a fresh graduate.

Thailand and the façade of tolerance

By Low Jia Wei

‘LGBTs are like tuk-tuks’.

Quite the odd comparison isn’t it? Still it’s a seemingly apt simile as told by Paisaran Likhitpreechakul. A tuk tuk is showy, fun and novel, but still far from being on par with an actual taxi. Paralelly, people of different sexual orientation and gender identities outside of the norm face a similar problem. To the untrained eye (i.e. tourist), Thailand looks to be a haven for the LGBT. After all, transwomen walk the streets of Bangkok in perfect normalcy, with no one batting an eyelid, save perhaps a first time visitor, while gay men from around the world flock to Bangkok for ‘the most beautiful boys in the world’ as put by Likhitpreechakul. Yet despite the open secret that is the LGBT community of Thailand (most know, but won’t admit it), it is hardly free of the pervasive grasp of homophobia and transphobia, let alone a ‘haven’ for LGBTs.

It is not to say that LGBTs don’t enjoy a certain amount of ‘tolerance’ (and I use this in the loosest sense of the word). Many find their place in Thai society. Yet the place is one of deferment; to know their place in the order of things and not to step out of bounds and demand more. Trans and looking for a job? Don’t worry; sex work is not your only option. There’s an endless possibility of menial jobs like store clerks, waitresses and cashiers. Just don’t exceed your grasp and hope to be a doctor, lawyer or teacher. God forbid that a transperson help change the world. The shame!

It would seem the tenuous ‘tolerance’ stems from objectifying, commodifying and exploitative roots. It’s good for business that there be a Bangkok Gay Pride parade. After all street parties mean that plenty of farangs will be there, readily doling out the dollars, pounds or euros to gay related business establishments. It would seem the pride event has become less of a statement for equality and more of a bank statement for the businesses that began the thing.

The subject of gay and trans is also often a subject of ridicule and derision. While ‘tolerated’, to be gay or trans is not exactly what many Thais would consider shouting about. It is a culture that is permissive, so long as you’re not caught. Much like other societies, there are always ones that live in the glass closet. The whole world knows, or at least speculates, that the sexual orientation of these individuals are not of the norm, yet most turn a blind eye. And should the proverbial cat be let out of the bag, tolerant is the last word that would be use to describe the angry mob that would vilify the person, despite whether it is true or not. It is certainly not false in the Malaysian context, in reference to certain allegations thrown at a certain politician, and certainly true in Thailand as well. Former Thai premier, Abhisit Vejjajiva was the target of trans and gay insults by opposition protesters. Which begs the question, can a society that deems being gay or trans as inherently ‘bad’ be considered ‘tolerant’.

To say that Thai society is an LGBT tolerant nation simply because of the non-issue of being trans or gay is oversimplifying things. I say that LGBT ‘tolerance’ is a façade created by outside eyes as they fail to see the real deal for LGBT individuals that live within the society. There are many examples to support this case, such as the classification of transwomen as having ‘mental psychosis’, failure to allow name changes for trans individuals after sexual reassignment surgery, homosexual relationships not being afforded the same rights as heterosexual relationships of the same nature and in worse cases, attacks against LGBT individuals for being LGBT. The nature of the beast is hard to discern. It could be that the transphobia and homophobia stem from the popular rhetoric according to Thai Buddhist belief that being LGBT is immoral and because of sins in a past life, or the hierarchical structure of Thai society that places LGBT individuals at the bottom of the totem pole, or perhaps it because it doesn’t match up to the notion of ‘Thai culture’ (sound familiar?). Whatever it maybe, one thing is clear at least, the notion of Thailand as the LGBT paradise where everything is accepted as is, is a fallacy and a façade. 

Low Jia Wei, 24 is majoring in Writing and International Studies and enjoys the simple things in life, like 6x6 Sudoku puzzles and beginners level Minesweeper.