Being an American, it's a completely normal thing to see heads of state processing through White House galleries to a meeting with the President... or standing side by side with our leader in some ceremonial exercise of diplomacy and statesmanship. It's so common, in fact, that 75% of such events never make it to the nightly news, and 100% of them never make it to a live broadcast on primetime television.
However, here in Thailand, of course such things are much more unusual. When dozens upon dozens of foreign dignataries come to pay respect to the king on his 60th anniversary, such things are of great import, and although the pomp and fanfare may be no greater than that which America displays to it's state guests, it just seems so much better when it is done in Thailand.
Why? Because they broadcast it. I can watch. Live. Without interruption. Right now there is a grand hallway lined by saluting military officers all in white, with a red carpet upon which walk the guests in their cultural finery. Arabs and Africans, Asians and Europeans. Thai generals are escorting them into the reception. In the backgound, a Thai lady speaks in a hushed golf-gallery voice about who is who, and the sounds of a party can be heard in the background, with murmuring voices, clinking glasses. There is no video presentation, no talking heads, no scrolling text, nothing but a camera following the royal event, slowly unfolding.
In America, people could care less about something like this. Even if they did care, they would become bored within minutes of nonstop "footage". Here in Thailand though, even I, the American, appreciate the special moment and the fact that it is unfolding here on my television makes it even more special.
...come to think of it: When was the last time 15 or 20 heads of state came to America for anything other than a United Nations function? Reagan's funeral perhaps?
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2 comments:
Jil,
Your posts are excellent. How often do you get teh chance to play golf? Would it be Ok if i added you to my blog roll at http://www,thailandgolfzone.com
Thanks for the comment!
Wow... I haven't played golf in years. I used to be a great golfer when I was 17 or 18, but now 20 years on, I doubt I have any skill left at all.
Still though, everytime somebody asks me, I start thinking about how I need to start playing more often. Please! Invite me! I have no clubs, but I'm still interested.
Anyway, yes: Feel free to add a link on your blog roll. That's right nice of you.
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