Professional Development: Peace Corps / Thai Culture and Politics with Dr. William Klausner

Amphur Muang, Chinat, Thailand (Chinatthani Hotel) Dr. William Klausner

Thai culture and politics – through the eyes of an anthropologist with Dr. William Klausner

I had the privilege of attending a lecture and discussion lead by Dr. Williams Klausner in Chinat, Thailand. Dr. Klausner is a close friend of Peace Corps and a man of tremendous knowledge and understanding regarding Thai culture and politics.

The setting and atmosphere of this talk was intimate. Dr. Klausner sat in a chair and his eyes met my gaze at an even level. Interestingly, he started his talk by insisting that his lecture was an “anecdotal presentation.” The beauty of this talk was that he was talking almost as if we were having a real conversation, though not a word fell from my mouth. Also beautiful, was his ability to make the most complicated cultural constructs digestible as if they were common knowledge.

His talk had a clear outline, starting with a general overview of Thai culture and culture’s effect on work. Next he explored social distance in Thai culture. Then he touched on hierarchy and patriarchy. Fourthly, he explained core concepts in Thai Buddhist philosophy, particularly karma and gratefulness. And finally, he answered our questions.

Themes I found very interesting throughout the talk were:

1. Values direct behavior

2. Thai society is in the works of a traditional cultural transformation. We must define what cultural norms are. The past is not dead - it is not even past. And finally this transformation is the combination of forces of tradition and the forces of change (western ideals).

3. Anti confrontation – Thai people have availed themselves of the coping strategies of indirect expression.

4. In reference to social distance – traditionally Thais do not express a commitment to protest and it is the new pressures that have caused riots and protest.

5. When referring to hierarchy: You cannot have twins in Thailand – not possible to be equal. Upon birth, one twin becomes Pii (older) and the other Nong (younger).

6. And when referring to gender hierarchy: Thai Proverb – Men are the front legs of the elephant and women are the hind legs – Today the elephant is walking backwards.

7. The implications of Karma: you must accept your state. Doesn’t mean you have to approve of that. But this has an effect on politics. Don’t challenge the authorities.

8. Recognize the two different cultures operating. As foreigners will be judged in terms of the traditional values. Those who are viewing foreigners in these terms are they themselves not acting by these traditional terms. This is reality.

To end the session, Dr. Klausner answered some of our questions. Interestingly we didn’t pose these questions to him during the talk. He had reviewed many of our concerns by reading anonymous feedback submissions about our experiences at site that the volunteers had turned into the administration staff. He picked the questions that cropped up most frequently and the ones he found most interesting. Upon hearing the questions, they all seemed impossible to address. However, he addressed them effortlessly and in such as way that made it seem the answers lied within us all along. This experience from start to finish was incredibly moving, and very personable. I am very grateful to have gained these insights from Dr. Klausner – and will definitely keep them in mind while encountering cultural struggles during my service.

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