Grades 9-12, College, Adult
Directed by Kamron Gunatilaka
Produced by Sam Kalayanee & Lyndal Barry, Images Asia with TVE
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 1999
Copyright Date: 1999
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-748-5
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-807-3
Subjects
Asian Studies
Developing World
Economics
Globalization
Human Rights
Humanities
Social Justice
United Nations
Smiles
The Hypocrisy of Thai Politics
The struggle for greater democracy and free speech in Thailand.
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"A good 30-minute review of twentieth century Thai political history." Ceferina G. Hess, Political Science, Lander University |
Tourist companies idealize Thailand as a land of gentle, smiling people and stunning landscapes. But rapid industrialization, the growing consumer culture of the 1980s 'bubble economy' era, and the effect of IMF structural adjustment programs imposed in 1997 when that bubble burst, have led to a huge rise in poverty, crime, and environmental damage. The Thai government has responded by introducing a new constitution, designed to eliminate the corruption and cronyism that has been at the heart of Thai politics for decades. This film reveals the hypocrisy of Thai politics and charts the history of recent struggles for greater democracy and freedom of speech.
Other titles in the series are:
Where Truth Lies - A dramatic case before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Going Home - 10-year old soldier escapes rebel forces in Sierra Leone.
Till Death Do Us Part - Widows are denied inheritance and property rights in Nigeria.
In the Name of Safety - False imprisonment violates due process in Bangladesh.
Discipline with Dignity - The attempt to end corporal punishment in Nepalese schools.
Reviews
"A good 30-minute review of twentieth century Thai political history for classes connected to World and/or Southeast Asian classes in political science and history."
Ceferina G. Hess, Ass. Prof. Political Science, Lander University