Policing public morality in Thailand

The rise of social problems and the deterioration of social values have prompted the Thaksin government when it first came into power in 2001, to launch a social order campaign led by the Interior Minister Mr. Purachai Piumsomboon in co-operation with other relevant bodies including the Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Labour and Social Service, Ministry of Education and the University Bureau. Regulations and measures such as entertainment zoning designation, prevention of people under the age of 20 years old entering these venues, early closing and curfew for people below the age of 18 years old from 10pm to 4am, have been initiated and implemented to monitor and control the entertainment venues. However, the success over the years seems rather limited.

Mr. Piumsomboon argued that social order he was referring to is designed to ensure the rule of law. All the existing laws must be enforceable and that city planning be made to serve the purpose of making cities a good place to live in through zoning designation. Entertainment zoning must be strictly enforced to ensure effective monitoring. People can not just open a nightclub, a bar or a karaoke lounge anywhere they want. This lack of control not only causes a nuisance to the public but is also a breeding ground for drug addiction and prostitution among the youth. The existing laws must be enforced to protect children. Also the family, which is the most fundamental social institution, must be strengthened.

It is interesting to note that normally in the Thai society an individual is relatively free to practice its own way of life. The social order campaign of the state should have been looked at as an imposition of strict measures on personal liberty, yet surprisingly this is not the case. The new social order has been positively accepted by the city people. By referring to the tradition and cultural values and Buddhism philosophy this new social order has grasped the heart of a vast group of urban people who were fed up with the influence of western culture in the Thai society. This new social order policy has arrived at the time when the need to restore moral in the society has dramatically risen.

However, while violent crime, child prostitution, underage drinking and drug use represent threats to society, it is difficult to see how a change in operating hours, entertainment zone designation and child curfew will lead to greater social order. The situation of crime, child prostitution and illegal drug use has become more complicated and diverse than what we might have perceived. We must then ask if drastic measures are really the right instrument to improve public morality?