jai yen yen wrote:You forget that this is Thailand and it is their country with their ways. We should not expect them to change for us. Most foreigners are trying to fit in, telling kids not to squirt a farang is telling him we are not part of things. I myself don't go out during Songkran unless I have to or want to get involved. If I get wet I know that is part of it.
Before I comment, let me say that I in no way approve of the behavior of this farang who offended the 8 year old boy. However, I will argue that just because we are living in a country with different customs than our own doesn't mean that it is always wise to participate in all aspects of the culture. Albeit the Songkran Festival is a big deal here, but that doesn't mean that it is safe to be involved in the festivities. It's a personal choice and I personally think that it is a childish, foolish and an extremely dangerous activity and I make it a point to stay in my home until it passes each year. If I were living in Spain you wouldn't catch me out "running with the bulls" each year. If I were in Chile you wouldn't catch me out in the midst of La Tomatina being pelted with tomatoes. Everyday life is full of danger as it is without purposefully putting oneself at the forefront of risky situations when it is not necessary and when one has a choice in the matter. As a young boy I was taught to
never point a toy gun at an individual under any circumstances. I distinctly remember having my butt whipped on more than one occasion for squirting other kids with a water pistol, so I learned the hard way. Every wise parent should be teaching their children the same principal. So, how does one reconcile telling a child to never point a toy gun at a person, but then at Songkran tell him that it's okay to point a water pistol or rifle at a person? That's a pretty confusing message for a child, and as parents we need to remain consistent with our teachings. Every year at Songkran there are many people who are injured in their eyes from these water guns. If the Thais want to be fools, then let them have their folly. But for me and my house we will be using common sense judgement on such matters. Wisdom always takes priority over "fitting in" no matter where one lives!
Colossians 2:8-10...See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. For in HIM dwells all the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily; and you are complete in HIM, who is the head of all principality and power.
,have you been watching The High Chaparral series recently 
