The True Story of a Welsh Godfather
Episode 4
Most readers like to read short pieces with some photos. So, this piece on a Welsh mafia godfather is published on Medium.com as well as on my website, www.MattOwendsRees.com
For some professional photos on Thai traditions and people culture, I strongly recommend looking at https://www.LodeEngelen.be
The images often support the articles on my own website.
Comparing Western Mafias with Thailand and Singapore.
Thailand’s layback attitude, mai pen rai, is conducive to the creation and maintenance of mafias. Thais believe it is wrong to challenge the mafias that exist here.
They want to avoid any conflict with their “betters”, the élite, and the government. For that reason, most Thais generally accept government propaganda, and even accept what they read on social and mainstream media.
The concepts of mai pen rai and avoiding open conflict are cultural traits that are well established in Thailand. Because Thais have a strong sense of “knowing their place” in society’s hierarchy, they do not challenge the mafias.
A small bribe or gift can make the machinery of business and bureaucracy move more quickly. Receiving bribes is regarded as part of one’s salary, a job perk. Big international corporations and politicians in Thailand are regularly accused of giving large sums to secure lucrative contracts.
Although not a purely Thai phenomenon, it has been present throughout Thai history and is culturally accepted in the Far East.
There are mafias in Singapore despite the country having a reputation for zero tolerance towards corruption. You cannot bribe your way out of a traffic offence. Even with the lowest rate of corruption in South East Asia, organised crime is accepted as an inevitable way of life in this island state. And cannot be changed.
The Western Mindset.
In the West, corruption is seen as wrong and unacceptable. That does not stop some politicians and business owners in the West indulging in the practice. Lobbyists giving “cash for questions” in parliament to sway the opinions of governments elected by the voters who put them into power.
Expensive all-in holidays for business leaders whose favours are being sought.
The question is not whether corruption exists or should exist. The question is whether it should be seen as acceptable in a nation’s culture. And if it is accepted, to what extent? Should only “minor” corruptions be allowed? And who makes that decision?
Fear or Respect?
I do not think Thais live in fear, as has been suggested by some foreign observers. It is worth repeating that they do not oppose the élite establishment, the hierarchy.
They are brought up with a high regard for the respect of elders and “betters”. That’s not a word I like using, but it accurately reflects that Thais do not believe all people are equal.
If you listen to a subordinate speaking to a superior in the work environment, you will immediately observe the difference in rank that is being shown. Both the gesture of the wai and the actual words used in speaking will clearly show who is who in the pecking order. The respect given to the elder or superior is very visible.
An employee will be careful in making a suggestion if he or she disagrees with the boss. There will be no direct refusal of his instructions. As one of my Thai friends said, the employee may use a different approach later and will no doubt gossip about the incident, but there will be no disobedience. That may be misguided respect but it is not fear.
Contacts, Money culture, and Merit.
Thais understand that many of their compatriots get their positions through whom they know and not always through merit. Moving to a fuller meritocracy is slow.
This explains why men of respect and mafias are tolerated. It explains why, because of the strict acceptance of status and hierarchy, mafias will always be with us.
Political instability has been a common feature in Thailand from the early days of this fledgling democracy. I don’t imagine Thais like the concept of coups d’état any more than any other nation, but coups aren’t quite the same here. It’s business as usual and part of the culture. The foreign media do not appreciate that. Democracy in Thailand is about respecting a higher authority.
Reform and a more open education system is needed for democracy to become effective and to allow ballot boxes to determine governments that act for the benefit of all Thailand’s citizens. Provided, of course, that the electoral candidates have the welfare of the total population in mind. A benevolent elected government or a benevolent totalitarian government (akin to a mafia) may be the best solution for Thailand’s future.
In the West, we do not have military coups but do the big banks, oil companies, and powerful lobbyists influence the running of elected governments? Are they behaving as if they are coup leaders bent on thwarting the views of the majority electorate? Are they mafias in all but name?
Democracy or Totalitarian Rule
Churchill made a number of quotes about Democracy, the most famous being, “democracy is the worst form of government — except for all the others that have been tried.”
A benevolent but authoritarian dictatorship can often work better as it provides permanence and decisiveness other than short term fixes. Mafias, like dictatorships, don’t rely on elections. Their systems work precisely because the “electorate” has trust that the family will look after their better interests provided that there is mutual respect. The downside of course is that the system discourages thinking about or questioning the mafia’s rulings and actions.
