In response to a number of people seeking a ‘debate’ since posting my video response last week, I will summarise here for you.
Thank you for paying great attention to my page, and I apologise that you’ve had to wait this long. I do have a life outside of facebook – both work and social, so instead of pestering me by continually posting the same material to provoke a response, please take this into account. I understand this may be pivotal in your life, but I do not have the same amount of free time that you may be afforded.
I am not highly educated, nor am I particularly proficient in grammar or vocabulary, so apologies in advance if this doesn’t meet your standards.
Now, I will try to clearly explain my position.
People respect, admire, love and revere His Majesty. They are not forced to. The extreme vast majority of Thais recognise the work of the Royal Family, past and present, based on their lifetime dedication to the people of the Kingdom. The King himself, during his reign has initiated over 4000 projects with the sole purpose of developing the country, providing solutions and assisting people in areas in need of development. I am sure some of you are aware of at least a few of these projects. This is an admirable and astonishing achievement.
Thailand is a country I love and a place where I feel happy. I try to visit as often as I can afford. Throughout my visits, it has become evident to me that the King is of significant importance to the Kingdom. During my first few visits, I was intrigued by this and as such began to learn why the King is so highly revered. Obviously, as time goes on, and the more I visit, I begin to recognise such work and can see the impact this has had on the people and the development of the country. The selfless dedication of the King to provide for his people is admirable. The work selflessly pledged by His Majesty cannot be discounted or discredited; it is clearly evident that it has played an integral role in the development and standard of the country and its citizens. Aside from the work, the King has been a substantial influence to the people for decades during his reign. It is here that I can sense influence to the culture and nature of the people. By having someone to respect, revere and admire, it has shaped the nation into what it is today.
What baffles me, is that how can a foreigner choose to live in Thailand, yet disagree with the Monarchy and question what the Monarchy represents? Surely you should embrace the culture, the traditions, the local customs and history.
In retrospect of the video clip, I do regret using some low tone language, but on the whole feel that I managed to converse my dismay. For those of you that think I was abusing Rose, then surely you don’t understand the extent of utter disrespect in her video clips. This is what upset me more than the message itself. If Rose really wants to hold a sensible argument of her views, then she can do this respectfully without using foul language or disrespecting Thai customs. I think this may be why many people cannot take her message seriously; as it just poses as foul and repulsive.
For those of you that are suggesting my proposed charity is a ‘scam’, then I find it quite strange how you can conclude such an opinion before the charity has even launched. It’s a shame that as a person that is trying to make at least a small change in a country I love, that I have to answer to you and plead my righteousness. In fact, you’ve only made me more ambitious than ever, and I will do whatever good I can do, as I see fit. You may be familiar with scams, fraud and dishonesty, but I am not you, and you don’t know me. So before you jump on your high horse and start blowing your trumpet, just stop and think that there may be some benefit here there could bring some changes to peoples lives – perhaps you could even get involved yourself! But I guess we’re not all the same. Some people can actually work for the benefit of others. Have you ever thought about doing some good for others?
I do however invite you to monitor, scrutinise, review and report on my charity once it has launched. In fact I have always voiced that transparency is paramount, and something that I am very proud to display.
Further, please stop asking me to debate politics. I am not well versed with the political situation and have never claimed to be. Please don’t spin my words. This is what I spoke about in my video response – I did not make any political comment whatsoever.
I do have the utmost respect for the King, based on my knowledge, education and experience. If you can allow me this happiness, then thank you. You can continue your misery elsewhere.
Lastly, I am not paid or endorsed by anyone for my opinions or what I write. This could be contrary to those of you working in journalism. I recognise the value and significance of His Majesty and am proud to portray that. Furthermore, I do not see by embracing this, I am doing any damage.
If these works were carried out by a regular person, who dedicated their life with the sole purpose of providing better living standards, opportunity and development for the people and the country, then I would afford that person the same respect as I reserve for His Majesty.
Please separate my position from any political observation you may have.
Again to recap, I love Thailand. I recognise the work of the King and its significance to a country that I love. That is as far as it goes.
I hope this provides clarity without any further provocation.
If you have a string of questions that you wish me to answer or debate, it could actually be something that I don’t know the answer to, so do not feel offended if you are not given a response. I only know what I know, albeit very keen to learn.
I am not using my facebook page as a playground for debate but purely wish to summarise my position based on your continued requests.
Cordially,