People & Culture - Thailand - page 1461

While Westerners might think of heated discussion as social sport, Thais regard any in-
stance where voices are raised as rude and potentially volatile. Losing your temper causes
a loss of face for everyone and Thais who have been crossed may react in extreme ways.
Minor embarrassments, such as tripping or falling, might elicit giggles from a crowd of
Thais. In this case they aren't taking delight in your mishap, but helping you save face by
laughing it off.
The TV show Hormones is a new-generation hit about high- school students dealing with sex, drugs and
parents.
Status & Obligation
All relationships in traditional Thai society - and those in the modern Thai milieu as well
- are governed by social rank defined by age, wealth, status and personal or political posi-
tion. The elder position is called pôo yài (literally the 'big person') and is used to describe
parents, bosses, village heads, public officials etc. The junior position is called pôo nóy
('little person') and describes anyone who is subservient to the pôo yài . Although this
tendency towards social ranking is to some degree shared by many societies around the
world, the Thai twist lies in the set of mutual obligations linking the elder to the junior.
Pôo nóy are supposed to show obedience and respect (together these concepts are
covered by the single Thai term greng jai ) towards the elder. Those with junior status are
not supposed to question or criticise those with elder status. In the workplace, this means
younger staff members are not encouraged to speak during meetings and are expected to
do their bosses' bidding.
In return pôo yài are obligated to care for or 'sponsor' the pôo nóy . It is a paternalistic
relationship in which pôo nóy can ask for favours involving money or job access. Pôo yài
reaffirm their rank by granting requests when possible; to refuse would risk a loss of face
and status.
The protocol defined by the social hierarchy governs almost every aspect of Thai beha-
viour. Elected or appointed officials occupy one of the highest rungs on the social ladder
and often regard themselves as caretakers of the people, a stark contrast to the democratic
ideal of being the voice of the people. The complicated personal hierarchy in Thailand of-
ten prevents collaboration, especially between those with competing status. This is why
Bangkok has several modern-art museums with somewhat anaemic collections rather than
one consolidated powerhouse.