07-22-2008, 11:11 AM
Having been to Thailand about two dozen times, I can safely say that there are amazing differences in economic and cultural factors between the various regions of the country. The region around Bangkok has a modern industrial economy with a sizeable middle class and every imaginable modern convience with that unique Thai perspective, of course. The southern resort areas also are loaded with modern amenities and the accoutrements of the middle class. Poverty is never very far away, even in these relatively prosperous areas, but the overall scene is pretty advanced.
Once one gets into the hills of the northern provinces and along the Cambodian border, however, it is like a different world. Many of the tribal people there live on a subsistence level similar to New Guinea. They have a rich local culture and often to not speak Thai, which (along with their economic status) limits their access to what is a reasonably decent primary education system. Unfortunately, this system is only theoretically free since there are charges for uniforms, books, supplies, etc. Children with special needs of any sort are not well served by the basic rural schools, hence the necessity for Pam's efforts for the blind girl.
Alaskasteven's analogy is quite good. Sometimes one finds amazing contrasts within a single political entity, even one as small as Hawaii. Primitive is as primitive does, and the value a culture places on the well-being of its people is ultimately the benchmark.
Cheers,
Jerry
Once one gets into the hills of the northern provinces and along the Cambodian border, however, it is like a different world. Many of the tribal people there live on a subsistence level similar to New Guinea. They have a rich local culture and often to not speak Thai, which (along with their economic status) limits their access to what is a reasonably decent primary education system. Unfortunately, this system is only theoretically free since there are charges for uniforms, books, supplies, etc. Children with special needs of any sort are not well served by the basic rural schools, hence the necessity for Pam's efforts for the blind girl.
Alaskasteven's analogy is quite good. Sometimes one finds amazing contrasts within a single political entity, even one as small as Hawaii. Primitive is as primitive does, and the value a culture places on the well-being of its people is ultimately the benchmark.
Cheers,
Jerry