chapter 6. other concepts relating to sex - Windward Community ...

will make their lives better or more enjoyable. They embrace these kinds of changes, while at the
same time hoping to avoid the negative consequences about which they are aware.
Concepts in National Discourse
Modernization and development are national aims that drive many of the Thai
government's policies. The national agenda has, for at least seven decades, sought to (re)make
Thailand into a modern nation, selecting what each government administration considered
appropriate and good from the West, while maintaining the best of traditional values
(Winichakul, 1994, p. 3-5). The symbols of modernization, like those of backwardness, Thai-
ness, and Western-ness, have changed over the course of different kings and political leaders.
This section describes a few images emanating from the government and their meaning for SWU
students.
Mass Media and Government Messages
Thai television is loaded with government-sponsored public services messages (PSMs)
that address perceived problems such as AIDS, prostitution, and loss of traditional Thai culture.
Messages draw attention to issues of public concern and provide some information while quietly
reinforcing symbols of elite, Central Thai culture.
One message about AIDS showed two men entering a brothel. One hesitated and the
other responded, "What, are you gay?" And they continued in. One developed HIV. The
concluding message was, "Don't thîaw phûuyĭng - protect yourself." While it draws attention to
the risks involved in going to prostitutes, it also highlights the masculine-enhancing aspect of
going to brothels and not so subtly emasculates gay men in the process.
Since the late 1980s, Thailand has been aggressive at educating the public about AIDS in
radio, television, and print media. People are practically bombarded with programs, posters, and
stickers reminding them of the danger of HIV. Channel 11 ran a program called "Life with AIDS"
(chiiwít kàp AIDS). It provided information on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of
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