Yes, "let’s me die but don’t mock my king . What the king for you we don’t know but for us he is our life we can die for him"
is true.
My King is My Life.
He be like My Father our people Thailand
Long Live The King
banzai
thai
· 2 years ago
let's me die but don't mock my king . What the king for you we don't know but for us he is our life we can die for him
Adam Healey
· 2 years ago
As an American that lived in Thailand for a year, I think I can relate to both sides of this issue.
Kevin, I think you have a point on this one. America often acts with an air of "moral superiority", which only comes across as totally hypocritical when things like Abu Graib and Guantanamo litter the front pages of foreign newspapers.
Why should an American company get to dictate to a foreign government the rights and privileges to which their citizens are entitled?
The fact is, so very few Americans have actually spent any significant time living abroad, they think and act very myopically.
I think the right decision in this case, both morally and economically, is to allow foreign governments to determine what censorships they would like to place on content being made available to their citizenry. If those citizens believe that their rights are being infringed upon in their home state, then they can apply for political asylum in the United States, or immigrate.
Juniper
· 2 years ago
Umm...people criticize their their leaders, often rudely, in many other countries besides America. Maybe YOUR view is a little myopic.
kevin
· 2 years ago
"Putting anyone in authority beyond criticism basically gives them unbridled power to trample on the rights of others."
While I agree with this sentiment, in the case of the King of Thailand, he has been King for more than 50 years and is universally revered by the Thai people. So, to all Thais this is quite an affront. It's not even close to "political dissent" like opposing George Bush - it's more like the flap over the cartoons of Mohamed.
At this stage of the game America needs all the friends we can get. If we finally manage to piss of the Thais (which is very difficult), we might as well throw in the towel.
Juniper
· 2 years ago
Why throw in the towel? Because Thailand of Thailand's powerful cultural influence on the rest of world? Or because of their military might?
And offending people isn't limited to America. The Mohamed cartoon wasn't from a U.S. publication.
kevin
· 2 years ago
The Thai culture is based on respect. One respects those older than you (because they have wisdom), and one respects the King because he is the "elder" of the society. People can argue with the idea of a society based on respect - but it seems to work quite well on the whole.
The Youtube issue is yet another example of America's encroachment into established cultural norms of country's far removed from it's way of life and value system. Some could argue that it's just too bad - it's "globalization" and accept it. I'll argue that it's just sad that we feel the rest of the world needs exposure to our idea of "freedom". The Thais have a 15 year penalty for a reason - it's just plain disrespectful.
Juniper
· 2 years ago
I guess Thai people haven't heard of the "Digg revolt". Just keep trying to tell internet users to shut up and see what happens.
John Loes
· 2 years ago
wow ur stupid, u idiot, thai people have no reason to block youtube
Marshall Kirkpatrick
· 2 years ago
This is actually a really interesting issue - plus good job finding the video in question! I am willing to say that if someone were to be sent to prison for posting a video on youtube of the king below a picture of a woman's feet - that would be wrong. I don't feel 100% comfortable saying that, because of the kinds of things Kevin said above - but I'm willing to say it anyway.
Pete Cashmore
· 2 years ago
Marshall,
Yeah, beyond the basics (killing, stealing etc), it's pretty clear that rights and freedoms are relative, and the product of cultural norms, rather than some kind of universal morality.
In this case, the criticism isn't really productive (it's infantile), but you can imagine some cases in which criticizing the king would be necessary. Putting anyone in authority beyond criticism basically gives them unbridled power to trample on the rights of others.
What the
· 2 years ago
I don't know what just happen the Coz of the network call ICT they alway come up with idea Ooo we should block that it not so nice to have it on for young age. I woundering what the internet for anyway is it the freedom for internet user. I just woundering can anyone just tell them at all to knock it off coz it not fair for other that pay the money for net to have their time of freedom web browser.... it not just that even on dvd we also got the sensor it just only the girls wear bikini... plz comment more what do you thinks Guys...
Marshall Kirkpatrick
· 2 years ago
Arguably, autocrats everywhere think censorship is ok and many free thinking people everywhere think that it's not. That's probably true no matter what culture you belong to.  Were freaks in early Western culture not supported in their unorthodox support for free expression then things today would be different - and of course the real estate to stand on while making things different was acquired via pilfering the land occupied by a population 90% exterminated in the process (just to speak to your killing and stealing point, Pete). There's probably nothing that's fully morally clear - but we all have to pick sides and I'll as respectfully as possible be on the side of free thought and expression no matter what the circumstances.
There really is a lot of heady stuff to talk about re YouTube!
Pete Cashmore
· 2 years ago
kevin,
Can't disagree with that. Out of interest: what political power does the King of Thailand have?
Marshall,
Ultimately, morality seems to come down to: which outcome is the least hurtful to other people? So I guess even killing is justified if the killing prevents a greater injustice (ie. killing a dictator can prevent many more deaths). Mocking the king of Thailand doesn't really achieve anything, but we have freedom of speech so that we can call authority figures out when they really do overstep their bounds. In this case, I guess it depends on whether the king has any real political influence: if so, are the Thai people allowed to criticize his political opinions?
Minger
· 2 years ago
Come on children, you think Western states are immune to these kind of cultural sensitivities? Remember that flag burning was ruled Constitutional by a slim 5-4 majority by SCOTUS. (Scalia casting the fifth vote!) And three Yalies just got arrested in New Haven for burning the flag. Some perspective, please!
Minger
· 2 years ago
UK's queen doesn't have much political power either and that didn't stop the sex pistols and their "god save the queen" from causing national consternation not too long ago.
Adam Healey
· 2 years ago
There's another issue here, and that is accountability. Are we in favor of anonymous free speech? When Michael Richards goes off on a racist tirade that is captured on video and quickly posted on YT, the result is severe public outrage, a prime-time apology, psychological counseling, and frankly, the loss of massive syndication residuals.
When someone posts a video on YT anonymously, that causes similar angst in Thailand, there is no recourse. Granted, 15 years in prison seems harsh, but I think we also need to consider anonymity and the role it plays in this discussion.
anonymous jerk
· 1 year ago
wow. You just summed up the whole problem with the internet.
Sato
· 2 years ago
I can't wait until this made into Glen Beck on CNN, perhaps the idiotic Thai military can ban CNN too for displaying the image. Wait a minute, I guess this is just not that important for CNN to care.....
John Loes
· 2 years ago
yea lol no one cares wut thailand thinks haha
Ace
· 2 years ago
I live in Chiang Mai Thailand now. Its just stupid. They don't block porn like youporn but completely block youtube. the thai culture is offended by this but they have no trouble offending their southern muslim neighbors with their prostitute bar girl culture. Really this censorship just boils down to selfishness. Thai culture is incredibly inflexible.
Ace
· 2 years ago
The earlier comments about google etc adhering to Chinese censorship is not accurate. The Chinese censor on many different levels including packet filtering and Googles polices have nothing to do with it. For example you can find many references to Tibet issue on google earth or youtube that critisize the chinese. Its the PRC network that is blocking and stripping out such content.
mari
· 2 years ago
As one of Thai people, I understand that people from other countries may or may not get our point of view of this matter. Moreover, I'm amazed and appreciated by the thought of some people here to respect the value of different norms and cultures as I have experienced larger groups of people making fun out of things which they think they understand but they do not.
Even though the media try to exaggerate the notion that Thai king is totally untouchable, there are more stories behind it.
As Kevin said, Thai culture is based on respect. I'd like to add that we do not respect the king just because he is just a king, but he is a king which his whole life is devoted to his people.
If you have been in Thailand for a quite while and interested in watching news, you will see he has been gone out to every parts of the country, helping people to establish various things, heal various sufferers, 24/7. He has not stopped working for 60 years (And his age will be 80 within this year).
I do not know about other kings or queens in other countries, but Thai king does not just sit comfortably on the throne. That's why he has got the highest respect and Thai people, including many people in other countries love him so dearly. He is the center of Thai people's heart. That's why Thai people feel such very deep hurt as their most loved one is humiliated by the dark side of "free speech". This is one of the roots leading to the phrase "Thai king is untouchable".
Some people may not be able to differentiate George W. Bush and Thai king. Some people (maybe from the same group) may not be able to see how different kings/queens from different countries are. We are okay for that, we do not want to teach the differences to anyone, all we need is just "Respect 101".
Many of us accept that YouTube was blocked again. Many of us are YouTube fans, but they still accept this matter. Many of us understand the ministry did exaggerated the matter, but for this time, it is a way to express how Thai people feel when YouTubed ignore the request. Although some Thai people are upset as they cannot use YouTube as they do everyday, and it seems ridiculous, most Thai people still feel this issue is placed on higher priority.
I think Thailand is doing the right thing. Whoever insulted their king is such so stupid.
John Loes
· 2 years ago
LOL ur an idiot, never talk again
ibatum
· 2 years ago
freedom of speech, or even 'liberty' as a whole, does not exist independently of cultural and moral considerations. Liberty is meant to allow society to achieve better things, not to offend other people like what you're doing. Liberty is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Even J.S. Mill, the most celebrated writer on liberty, set out clearly several limits on a person's liberty for fear that serious conflicts would arise if liberty was abused. So, the point i'm trying to make is that liberty has its limits. And in this case, this video has breached the limits by insulting the symbol of a whole nation.
One Thai people
· 2 years ago
We make every people came to Thailand have smile. I think my King naver make you bad feel. He is everything for Thai people. Please don't make bad thing to my King... Please...
Fizy Vip
· 2 years ago
I would like to express that this VDO is result of the American Narrow Minded People.
American people are so narrow minded as they always judge other people with their own standard and judgement regardless the difference of national culture and social norms.
This act will affect all that concerned not only Thai People's opinion that will be against the Americans but also and especially the Swiss Guy in jail that how he will survive the rest of his sentence in the middle of hatred feelings from all Thai people surrounding him and how he and his family will live the community after his sentence in Thailand. As this guy has his residency in Thailand too.
For Thailand, this is the law stated in Thai's Constitution since the beginning of Democracy in Thailand. Kings has no political power nor vote as he will not back up any political group. The King is in the supreme level both by law and by his deeds, he has done a lot for his people to improve their lives.
All I would like to say is that the creator(s) of such VDO ... YOU ARE STUPID AND UGLY AMERICAN PEOPLE, you thought you know better but in fact you know nothing.
Like old Thai Proverbs said ... a frog in the coconut shell ... this kind of people think like a small frog thingking that coconut shell is the whole world but they never come out to see how the real world is.
notintoamericans
· 2 years ago
"that's so ridiculous! banning youtube just becoz somebody posted some video insulting ther King?!" -this is what most stupid, uneducated, narrow-minded, low-life americans or any other foreigners (i just dont like americans) will say... can't you just understand that for some people respect is the most important thing.. considering that he is also their beloved King.. so it is reasonable to ban youtube.. for that guy that post the video..try getting ah real job, eh?.. or maybe try this..go kill yourself!! you're just wasting oxygen everytime you breathe!
Vibhas
· 2 years ago
I am an Indian living in Thailand...so I have both an Asian and Thai context to this. The basic fact is that people do not understand what the King means to the Thai people. They are unable to fathom this because they do not understand the genuine love and care that Thai have for the King. I dont expect westerners to understand this because they do not have that level of respect for their own leaders. The queen of Engalnd is openly ridiculed there. By all means do that. But dont be a judge of what Thais should do. I love Youtube. It was the only source of great videos I really had on the internet. But its okay. I support the ban.
Infact who we should be really talking about right now is Google - who refised to take of that clip. How they claim to be a 'global' enterprise and yet not have a basic understanding of other cultures. Add Google to the never ending list of insensitive corporations along with microsoft and all the other jokers.
Try to undrestand a foriegn culture first...before you talk about your freedom of speech and your liberty!!!!
Becca
· 2 years ago
Thais should allow people from all over the world to be able to express their opinions honestly. Not everyone has to like him. Being disrepectful is one thing but it is quite another to stop people from expressing themselves. It sounds like a lot of you need to do a little focused research on the history of Thai politics before you comment on this. You can start with "The King Never Smiles." It is banned in Thailand because it goes against the last 50 years of positive PR to sell him to the people. Personally, an entire ban on access to the site is a bit over-board, since we in Thailand use it for more than looking for derogatory videos posted about the king. They really need to lift the ban.
Becca
· 2 years ago
Oh, and Kevin, he has enormous political power. He is directly responsible for the recent coup d'etat here that has left the country under the rule of a military junta. It couldn't have happened without his all-loving, democracy-guarding, royal consent. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
gordon
· 2 years ago
the Thai royal family are good people who care about the Thai people and they put money and personal effort into making life better for all the Thai people. They are probably the only royal family that actually earns their keep and respect. They are a lot better than all of the British and European royal parisites.
Colby
· 2 years ago
I can see both sides of the issue here, or I can at least sympathize. I understand that Thai culture is different from the usual Western often rude free-for-all that Americans like myself usually experience. However, I believe firmly in the right to free speech, even for those I don't agree with, and I believe when it comes down to it, that principle is more important than any sort of perceived social stability. I believe after doing some research that the Thai royal family actually is looking out for their subjects, but they with so much power in just two hands, I think that there ought to be a social tradeoff where the "court jesters" get some sort of immunity.
becca
· 2 years ago
BAN THE INTERNET!!! THEY'RE SAYING THINGS WE DON'T LIKE!!! QUICK!!! SHUT IT DOWN!!!
idiot
· 2 years ago
@First poster:
Wisdom does not always come with age. Not all elder people are respectable. People should be respected even if they are younger to you, if they are respectable.
King is a human being, just like you. He is no greater than you, except he has more money and hence influence.
People have right and freedom to speak anythings? So I have right to talk shit about your father, your mother or everybody you love? What happen if I just say your mom is the bitch and your dad is a pimp? I have a right and freedom to do, yeah?
Right and freedom must have their own limit. At least not harm others right, this is the concept of right by law. If we just have right and dont respect other people's right, what will happen to the whole world? I just talk shit to you, you talk shit to me and it's no end. Respect other like you want other to respect yourself.
Robert
· 2 years ago
.....wow! I wanted to send a video clip from youtube to a friend in thailand and he said that it is closed. That's how i came to this site. I was living in Thailand last year (during the coup and all this stuff) so i understad some aspects of the reasons for blocking youtube. I understand al this 'respect the king' stuff and i think youtube should understand it too. BUT it is absolutely not right (or democratic or reasonable...) to block all the content of youtube.
Ody
· 2 years ago
Come on.. Thailands people in power want to keep it that way.
The Thai king was born in Cambridge Massachuetts U.S.A. So he was born American and was a U.S. citizen until he was 18 years old.
Thailand is known as the whore house of the world and the king profits handsomely from sex tourism.
The king owns 36,000 properties. One of the wealthiest people in the world.
He spennds money on the poor .. hahah He spends less in one year then he makes profit in 1 week.. But the "PR" people keep up this B.S. Image.
He keeps getting richer...He gives none of his wealth away.
Nobody deserves respect because they were born rich into a family that murdered it's way to the top. (all king and dictators have this distinction)
Thai people are brain washed to believe this is a great man. His photo everywhere like Saddam had in Iraq or Ho Chi Min in Vietnam.
He was drunk driving in Europe and lost his eye... Killed his brother to get to power.
Thailand will remain a third world stink hole until it opens it's mind to free speach and democracy.
And remember the measure of a countrys greatness is how many people want to get in and how many want to get out.
The line to go to the USA from Thai people is long and most are turned away... The line to go to Thailand to live is mostly 50 old fat white men who want to take advantage of the women there.
Also the fact that so mant Thai people learn English and post here.. Few Americans can speak Thai and none can write it.
Thai people want our culture so bad.. But they want to pick and choose what parts they want. They want money like all people.. But complain if we question their out dated back wood laws that do not allow free speach.
If you do not like our American culture... Stay in Thailand and do not learn English.
Thai people for the most part will not even discuss topics like this. They say "forget it" and go on thinking they are superior to us.
But they cannot back up their arguement that the king is a devine being.. He is just another lucky person to be born rich.
Jimmy
· 2 years ago
Nice hate speech from a tourist. Only the tragically insecure need that kind of national pride and finger pointing to feel good about themselves. To address some of your points before any casual readers buy into this...Anyone who thinks Thailand has more prostitution than any other Asian country (and indeed many countries outside Asia) is a fool and needs to A) Travel more and B) Read stats before ranting. The fact that sex tourism is readily available to English speakers should come as no surprise because of the pure volume of tourists in Thailand. But America doesn't have ANYWHERE like Pattaya (Las Vegas?) it's so clean let's move there quick!
Saying Thais want American culture is a ridiculous statement. Thais perhaps want to gain education and knowledge abroad but wouldn't abandon their culture. The fact America is a melting pot of cultures seems to be missed on you. The King killed his brother and usurped? According to whom. Read "The Reluctant King" for an understanding of H.M.'s life before monarchy.
All Comments
is true.
My King is My Life.
He be like My Father our people Thailand
Long Live The King
banzai
Kevin, I think you have a point on this one. America often acts with an air of "moral superiority", which only comes across as totally hypocritical when things like Abu Graib and Guantanamo litter the front pages of foreign newspapers.
Why should an American company get to dictate to a foreign government the rights and privileges to which their citizens are entitled?
The fact is, so very few Americans have actually spent any significant time living abroad, they think and act very myopically.
I think the right decision in this case, both morally and economically, is to allow foreign governments to determine what censorships they would like to place on content being made available to their citizenry. If those citizens believe that their rights are being infringed upon in their home state, then they can apply for political asylum in the United States, or immigrate.
While I agree with this sentiment, in the case of the King of Thailand, he has been King for more than 50 years and is universally revered by the Thai people. So, to all Thais this is quite an affront. It's not even close to "political dissent" like opposing George Bush - it's more like the flap over the cartoons of Mohamed.
At this stage of the game America needs all the friends we can get. If we finally manage to piss of the Thais (which is very difficult), we might as well throw in the towel.
And offending people isn't limited to America. The Mohamed cartoon wasn't from a U.S. publication.
The Youtube issue is yet another example of America's encroachment into established cultural norms of country's far removed from it's way of life and value system. Some could argue that it's just too bad - it's "globalization" and accept it. I'll argue that it's just sad that we feel the rest of the world needs exposure to our idea of "freedom". The Thais have a 15 year penalty for a reason - it's just plain disrespectful.
Yeah, beyond the basics (killing, stealing etc), it's pretty clear that rights and freedoms are relative, and the product of cultural norms, rather than some kind of universal morality.
In this case, the criticism isn't really productive (it's infantile), but you can imagine some cases in which criticizing the king would be necessary. Putting anyone in authority beyond criticism basically gives them unbridled power to trample on the rights of others.
There really is a lot of heady stuff to talk about re YouTube!
Can't disagree with that. Out of interest: what political power does the King of Thailand have?
Marshall,
Ultimately, morality seems to come down to: which outcome is the least hurtful to other people? So I guess even killing is justified if the killing prevents a greater injustice (ie. killing a dictator can prevent many more deaths). Mocking the king of Thailand doesn't really achieve anything, but we have freedom of speech so that we can call authority figures out when they really do overstep their bounds. In this case, I guess it depends on whether the king has any real political influence: if so, are the Thai people allowed to criticize his political opinions?
When someone posts a video on YT anonymously, that causes similar angst in Thailand, there is no recourse. Granted, 15 years in prison seems harsh, but I think we also need to consider anonymity and the role it plays in this discussion.
Even though the media try to exaggerate the notion that Thai king is totally untouchable, there are more stories behind it.
As Kevin said, Thai culture is based on respect. I'd like to add that we do not respect the king just because he is just a king, but he is a king which his whole life is devoted to his people.
If you have been in Thailand for a quite while and interested in watching news, you will see he has been gone out to every parts of the country, helping people to establish various things, heal various sufferers, 24/7. He has not stopped working for 60 years (And his age will be 80 within this year).
I do not know about other kings or queens in other countries, but Thai king does not just sit comfortably on the throne. That's why he has got the highest respect and Thai people, including many people in other countries love him so dearly. He is the center of Thai people's heart. That's why Thai people feel such very deep hurt as their most loved one is humiliated by the dark side of "free speech". This is one of the roots leading to the phrase "Thai king is untouchable".
Some people may not be able to differentiate George W. Bush and Thai king. Some people (maybe from the same group) may not be able to see how different kings/queens from different countries are. We are okay for that, we do not want to teach the differences to anyone, all we need is just "Respect 101".
Many of us accept that YouTube was blocked again. Many of us are YouTube fans, but they still accept this matter. Many of us understand the ministry did exaggerated the matter, but for this time, it is a way to express how Thai people feel when YouTubed ignore the request. Although some Thai people are upset as they cannot use YouTube as they do everyday, and it seems ridiculous, most Thai people still feel this issue is placed on higher priority.
Even J.S. Mill, the most celebrated writer on liberty, set out clearly several limits on a person's liberty for fear that serious conflicts would arise if liberty was abused. So, the point i'm trying to make is that liberty has its limits. And in this case, this video has breached the limits by insulting the symbol of a whole nation.
I think my King naver make you bad feel. He is everything for Thai people. Please don't make bad thing to my King...
Please...
American people are so narrow minded as they always judge other people with their own standard and judgement regardless the difference of national culture and social norms.
This act will affect all that concerned not only Thai People's opinion that will be against the Americans but also and especially the Swiss Guy in jail that how he will survive the rest of his sentence in the middle of hatred feelings from all Thai people surrounding him and how he and his family will live the community after his sentence in Thailand. As this guy has his residency in Thailand too.
For Thailand, this is the law stated in Thai's Constitution since the beginning of Democracy in Thailand. Kings has no political power nor vote as he will not back up any political group. The King is in the supreme level both by law and by his deeds, he has done a lot for his people to improve their lives.
All I would like to say is that the creator(s) of such VDO ... YOU ARE STUPID AND UGLY AMERICAN PEOPLE, you thought you know better but in fact you know nothing.
Like old Thai Proverbs said ... a frog in the coconut shell ... this kind of people think like a small frog thingking that coconut shell is the whole world but they never come out to see how the real world is.
can't you just understand that for some people respect is the most important thing.. considering that he is also their beloved King.. so it is reasonable to ban youtube.. for that guy that post the video..try getting ah real job, eh?.. or maybe try this..go kill yourself!! you're just wasting oxygen everytime you breathe!
Infact who we should be really talking about right now is Google - who refised to take of that clip. How they claim to be a 'global' enterprise and yet not have a basic understanding of other cultures. Add Google to the never ending list of insensitive corporations along with microsoft and all the other jokers.
Try to undrestand a foriegn culture first...before you talk about your freedom of speech and your liberty!!!!
Personally, an entire ban on access to the site is a bit over-board, since we in Thailand use it for more than looking for derogatory videos posted about the king. They really need to lift the ban.
Wisdom does not always come with age. Not all elder people are respectable. People should be respected even if they are younger to you, if they are respectable.
King is a human being, just like you. He is no greater than you, except he has more money and hence influence.
http://youtubeproxy.org
thnx for the link.
Right and freedom must have their own limit. At least not harm others right, this is the concept of right by law. If we just have right and dont respect other people's right, what will happen to the whole world? I just talk shit to you, you talk shit to me and it's no end. Respect other like you want other to respect yourself.
The Thai king was born in Cambridge Massachuetts U.S.A. So he was born American and was a U.S. citizen until he was 18 years old.
Thailand is known as the whore house of the world and the king profits handsomely from sex tourism.
The king owns 36,000 properties. One of the wealthiest people in the world.
He spennds money on the poor .. hahah He spends less in one year then he makes profit in 1 week.. But the "PR" people keep up this B.S. Image.
He keeps getting richer...He gives none of his wealth away.
Nobody deserves respect because they were born rich into a family that murdered it's way to the top. (all king and dictators have this distinction)
Thai people are brain washed to believe this is a great man. His photo everywhere like Saddam had in Iraq or Ho Chi Min in Vietnam.
He was drunk driving in Europe and lost his eye...
Killed his brother to get to power.
Thailand will remain a third world stink hole until it opens it's mind to free speach and democracy.
And remember the measure of a countrys greatness is how many people want to get in and how many want to get out.
The line to go to the USA from Thai people is long and most are turned away... The line to go to Thailand to live is mostly 50 old fat white men who want to take advantage of the women there.
Also the fact that so mant Thai people learn English and post here.. Few Americans can speak Thai and none can write it.
Thai people want our culture so bad.. But they want to pick and choose what parts they want. They want money like all people.. But complain if we question their out dated back wood laws that do not allow free speach.
If you do not like our American culture... Stay in Thailand and do not learn English.
Thai people for the most part will not even discuss topics like this. They say "forget it" and go on thinking they are superior to us.
But they cannot back up their arguement that the king is a devine being.. He is just another lucky person to be born rich.
To address some of your points before any casual readers buy into this...Anyone who thinks Thailand has more prostitution than any other Asian country (and indeed many countries outside Asia) is a fool and needs to A) Travel more and B) Read stats before ranting. The fact that sex tourism is readily available to English speakers should come as no surprise because of the pure volume of tourists in Thailand. But America doesn't have ANYWHERE like Pattaya (Las Vegas?) it's so clean let's move there quick!
Saying Thais want American culture is a ridiculous statement. Thais perhaps want to gain education and knowledge abroad but wouldn't abandon their culture. The fact America is a melting pot of cultures seems to be missed on you. The King killed his brother and usurped? According to whom. Read "The Reluctant King" for an understanding of H.M.'s life before monarchy.