social re-engineering III
Wednesday, October 31, 2001
Many have argued that the "new social order" is not anti-gay as such, and the effect generally has been seen on many sectors of Thai society, even down to neighbourhood noodle stalls. However recent events in Chaing Mai have shown a disturbing anti-gay bias.
In a Bangkok Post report on 14 October headlined "Purachai to target gay sex adverts" the Interior Minister was quoted as saying that gays are not really the type of visitors that the government should be trying to attract, and gay venues should certainly not be advertising in the local media and attracting people away from the cultural attractions.
Of course this may not be official government policy, because most commentary since then has focused on the likelihood of Purachai being moved on in a cabinet reshuffle early next year, but the government needs to be careful or some people may get offended and decide not to come if they are not wanted!
|
