Technology Thailand
Where Thais and technology clash
by Jesada Chandraprasert, Thailand
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Thai Ministry of Culture wages war on gaming
Sep 3, 2008 11:35To say that Thailand's ministries are conservative is like saying the Pacific Ocean is a puddle. In their efforts to maintain a level of control and conformity to their perceptions on what is "proper" and "right", they issue laws and regulations faster than a geek can whip out his credit card at a Pantip going-out-of-business sale. Such is the case with video games and Internet cafes.Hot on the tail of the recent GTA scaremongering and subsequent ban of the game, the Government, led by the high and mighty at the Ministry of Culture, have pulled together a conference publicizing their 90 days, Thai youths safe from games or “90 วัน ลูกหลานไทยพ้นภัยเกม” which aims to regulate online gaming in Thailand. Their official press release at the Government's Web site clearly states that they see gaming as "a problem which is obsessive and has an (adverse) effect on the behavior of children and teens...".The conference, held at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center on August 21, had an audience of over 1,500 people, mostly public officials and the police. The main focus of this conference was to find solutions to unregistered gaming stores (basically an Internet cafe like a setup where people can go in and game all day long on computers, not the traditional arcade) and "dangerous games". Their aim is to eliminate the "dangers" associated with said problem within 90 days of the conference. Tactics employed are:
Um, right. Quite vague, IMHO. Culture Minister Somsak Kiatisuranun goes on to admit that "there are no laws which require establishing a game ratings system in Thailand, only a proposal. However, gaming technology has advanced quite far, which makes it necessary to have a rating system and supporting laws. We are making this happen and but will take some time".Again, he does not go into specific dangers but cites general advance in technology. Weak!It is estimated that there are 80,000 gaming stores in Bangkok alone. Storeowners have voiced their concern toward this outlook and have noted that what the MOC is doing is purely trying to firefight at the wrong end. They blame game-makers for producing violent games and that there must be regulation governing game companies. They do admit that the smaller shops tend to look the other way with regard to questionable material. An article from the daily paper, "KomChud Luk", is critical of this effort and states society, family and the government sector are to share the blame. The author of the "Kom Chud Luk" article, however, does see this as a step in the right direction, even if past efforts have failed due to lack of continued support.Mcot has a video report on the conference with the MOC's TV commercial at the end.To be honest, I feel the 4 million baht used to conduct this conference could have been better spent on something else. This could have easily been done with some press releases and other commercials in the media.As for the MOPH's list of 10 dangerous games, in the same government press release, five have been officially put on the banned list. They are (exactly as spelled out in Thai:
If anyone is found to be distributing or selling these games, legal action will be taken immediately. It goes on to mention that importing and distribution of GTA, which was one of the 10 dangerous games, has now been halted. It does not list GTA on its banned list, nor does it say it's been added, but the non-import and distribution say it all.Anyone looking to register for a gaming store permit can do so at 02-247-0028 ext. 5555.Another sad day for civil liberties...
- Talkback
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Well, I think they should teach parents more than the children - especially the concept of having children. I think if I remember I read on your other blog that you mentioned something similar, but think parents need to spend quality time with the kids and not drown them with these cyber reality worlds (as an excuse to keep them busy or to keep them quiet so parents can do something else - selfish). I think a lot of people do not think it through carefully when having children and especially here in Thailand, grand parents seems to become real handy to leave your kids with or if you are fortunate enough, you have nannies. I think parents should be able take care of their own kids without relying so much on others. If some of these family issues were solved early on, the kids will not have too much trouble with games and violence.
Of course this is just my opinion and for the Ministry of Culture, well - take away something is fine, but please show the kids options - what other creative, cultural, useful activities can these kids do? For example - have a better sports programme to be great incentive for kids to develop their skills and may be become a national team hero. Or arts programme, we may have a few Picassos or Bach's amongst us or even a Llyod Weber...who knows. I believe if these options were available, have a few success stories and push kids to search for their potential in their free time...can't be too bad.
Sep 04, 2008 00:19
OK, what about me, who is not a kid.
It's just like saying to the grown up gamers to "PIRATE THEM" if you want to play.
Sep 05, 2008 12:47
can always easily get it off from a warez site.. so no worries.. can always play GTA anytime ! if not get it from a neighbouring country or mail back to yourself
Sep 06, 2008 13:21
About Jesada Chandraprasert
A firm believer that he/she who dies with the most toys wins.
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