It's all about Money?

The Illusion that is Bangkok

At the end of last week, the big challenge of what would happen with my western male friend approaching death or an outcome of needed lifelong care was resolved as best could be expected.  Basically, the challenges seemed overwhelming with his having met the natural consequences of being penniless and alone in the world due to his unhealthy life choices made over many years.  A good guy but he sure made a mess of it.  When it came to the crunch, the bottom line was - who is going to pay?

Yes, the bottom line is universal.  Still there is something a bit more to here. 

What is particular to Thailand is its culture wherein so much is defined by financial transactions.  I would say that back home my parents shared their money because they loved each other.  Here it is more like you share the money so that you can love each other.  It is all in reverse.  Money appears as the bottom line for all relationships and connections in Thai society.  This same bottom line is applied to outsiders who enter into it for whatever reason.  We are all treated fairly. 

I see money here being a central expression of any social transaction.  I am willing and happy to admit I am wrong but I make observations on the basis of what I experience and know.  So much is just about money.

Maybe it is the socioeconomic reality that is hidden by the fantasy that is Bangkok, which makes all Thailand look so wealthy and gleamy.  Reality is that the country is not full of wealthy people.  The masses come from poor backgrounds and suffer due to limited education and a society that is highly controlled by powerful elites.  People have to find their bread and butter from somewhere.  This is not simple when people want better for themselves and their families within a society that offers the carrot to get a product but more readily puts up barriers to getting ahead with low wages and strong social control mechanisms to keep the masses in line. 

Maybe it is culture which is ever the ruling card here.  Culture is important everywhere but I have never been in a country where it plays such a key role.  Culture rules and defines everything here.  Once again the fantasy that is Bangkok presents a massive, sophisticated western looking city.  Do not be fooled.  This is the east.  In the east, one does not rely on government for services and help but on family and patron.

So you could say it is a society where people desperately want but have little chance of achieving.  So they get ahead on the back of others around them.  To be fair, this may be the only possible way for most.  Thailand is aptly called the land of opportunity, but sadly not opportunity possible simply through hard work and merit but more through where you are on the social ladder and through whom you know and how much they are willing to help, and they will do so for a cost.