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Title – Swiss man jailed for Thai insult
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 28th March 2007
Walk along a road in London and deface a portrait or symbol of the Queen and the most punishment you are likely to face is a charge of criminal damage, usually resulting in no more then a caution or a fine. However in other countries the ridiculing of monarchs, politicians or religious figures can carry much more serious penalties.
An example in Thailand where the king is revered, left this man from Switzerland facing a gaol term of 10 years after spray painting posters depicting the king’s image. This sentence may seem unduly harsh, but in reality it was reduced from an original sentence of 20 year and could have been worse with up to 75 years term having been a possibility.
Very few people would find themselves in this situation, but this Swiss man will not be the first or the last to commit a 'stupid' crime when intoxicated after a night of drinking. But in Thailand even criticising the king can land you in very hot water. More importantly many of the Thai people will find it very insulting for you to make derogatory comments about their monarch and your input may be very unwelcome.
Generally it is a bad idea to talk about politics in foreign countries and certainly try and avoid starting these conversations yourself. One important factor is not to assume that the way of life back home is the right and only way for countries to be governed. Cultural difference across the world often dictate how countries are governed and work well in some countries and less well in others.
Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop enables individuals to travel with the knowledge of how to behave in the countries they visit, to avoid causing offence leading potentially to further problems. During the workshop we examine cultural differences in the different destinations where your travels will take you.
Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com
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