Thewphaingarm School Bangkok Celebrates Nazism!

[Cujo]

I don't even think the Nazis would have sunk that low

Not many blacks in Europe.
The Nazis viewed the non-Aryan Whites as "slaves".

Not many blacks in the states either at first.

[Frankenstein]

It's sad to see but I really doubt the people involved understand anything anything more substantial than Nazis being symbolic, picturesque bad guys from historic accounts from the 'far West' and I do not think the comparison with Vikings, Samurais or other commercialized historical figures is too far-fetched here.

Any Thai who truly understands what Nazism is about would understand it is a direct threat to themselves because they would be sure to be classified as an inferior race.

Thais love catchy symbols, and the propaganda machine of the Third Reich well knew how to use striking imagery and visuals in order to present themselves.

[Lily]

Not many blacks in Europe. ".

There weren't too many in America either, until they were taken there with that express purpose.

Edit; Apologies to cujo. I didn't see your post.

[Cujo]

Don't forget either, that symbol has a religious meaning in this part of the world.

[extras]

they do not know what it means. these pics are defo from an annual sports event amongst the kids. each team got their own colour and they had to come up with a theme.

[colourful-era]

Nazism was bad but how about the Western powers murdering 3-4 million Vietnamese and Cambodians in the 60's and 70's?

[stroller]

Is that so, and what about it?
Has this got anything to do with this school?

[colourful-era]

nothing to do with this school I agree - but to denounce any celebration of Nazism consideration must surely be given to the past actions of one's own government.

In my view all three were despicable acts. (ie: the murder of the Jews, Vietnamese and Cambodians for political ideals)

[Hootad Binky]

Nazism was a false-folkloric movement that led to the establishment of a fascist regime that murdered tens of millions of people. The Khmer Rouge is the only thing in SEA remotely similar to the nazis.

[waitaminute]

I think they know who is Hitler, without maybe truly appreciating the scope of his murderous regime. There are plenty of references to nazism in Thailand, thur the TV/press, war movies, etc...

Maybe their college and University elders back then, but in 1992, Suchinda's mug was mainly drawn and painted on with hitler lookalike features. Fast forward: 14 years later (I was there in both cases), it was Thaksin's turn to be drawn as Hitler, and also likened to Hitler. I even heard people saying he was worse. Truly an indication they know little about nazism, but then again, there are plenty who also say, here in the USA, that Bush is worse than Hitler. So I believe that it is all very cartoonish and outlandish, but mustache-drawing thais would have no reason to do that if 1)they did not see some propaganda gain to liken a hated leader to Hitler 2) did assume that they are the only ones in thailand to know about Hitler.

To those who say that they have no idea really how offensive that can be, I am inclined to agree, yet, occurences of thais being offended, and raising hell and ambassador recall threat, etc.... when foreigners do stuff, at best innocent and at worse thoughtless , concerning thai monarchy, Buddha images and state of thai economy (far eastern econ review censoring a few years ago) should prevent us from being too indulgent. If they are not, why should we?

[nedwalk]

absolutely no idea of what, they are wearing..next week you,ll see it like von dutch on the beach road..sad and scary at the same thought..what that whole period of history was ..just glad i was,nt there

[DrAndy]

Look, If Prince Willy can do it in UK, why complain about some students in Thailand?

[waitaminute]

Harry hear d about it, and it certainly brought worldwide and "shame on you" comments, as soon as.... Still does, even. Nobody has forgotten, and quite a few not forgiven.

Thais get off the hook easily, with such things. Good for them, we know they are a fickle bunch and love them for that. Likewise, as long as Harrys' college or platoon, or family did not tell him how much fun it would be to dress like a nazi, I would leave him alone. Keith Moon did it, and in the jewish neighborrod of LA at that. Bad taste never killed anyone.

[Hootad Binky]

absolutely no idea of what, they are wearing..next week you,ll see it like von dutch on the beach road..sad and scary at the same thought..what that whole period of history was ..just glad i was,nt there

The organisers knew what they were doing. That degree of planning and preparation does not happen by accident.

Look, If Prince Willy can do it in UK, why complain about some students in Thailand?

A young man making a stupid choice for a private cocktail party is not the same as an entire school marching in Nazi regalia.

[mad_dog]

This is part of the RACIST CAMPAIGN against TEFLERS in Thailand. NOW they want TEACHERS who are not VIOLENT CRIMINALS and who don't have FAKE DEGREES. When will this RACISM END ???

[DrAndy]

Look, If Prince Willy can do it in UK, why complain about some students in Thailand?

A young man making a stupid choice for a private cocktail party is not the same as an entire school marching in Nazi regalia.

right, not the same at all

BUT I was merely pointing out that the same ignorance and lack of thought exists in the UK. Even in the higher echelons of that society

Mind you, I think the protesters all show a total lack of humour. Yes, X million were killed by the Nazis, not funny, but the Nazis themselves can be seen as hilarious. I have seen sketches of Stalin and Hitler which had some content which was very funny.

[watterinja]

nothing to do with this school I agree - but to denounce any celebration of Nazism consideration must surely be given to the past actions of one's own government.

In my view all three were despicable acts. (ie: the murder of the Jews, Vietnamese and Cambodians for political ideals)

Do you have any idea of how many people died from the Nazi/facist scourge & the ensuing war to unseat them?

Combine this with Stalin & his communist cronies, & Japanese imperialism - you have in the 100's of millions of people. A truly frightening number, over a relatively short time-span - in historic terms.

[Bobcock]

Nazi regalia

Yer having a laugh....

These kids are clueless and since when did the nazi's dress like the young lass with the standard?

Red team chose an image that some people consider to be bad judgment.....big bloody deal.

I find it hysterical when people are 'outraged' by stuff like this....reminds me of 1977

[colourful-era]

^^yes, I'm well aware of the death toll of WW2.

yet why all this outcry when someone wants to make a school parade based on the Nazi party - it's hardly going to restore the Third Reich in Thailand.

[JoGeAr]

At school, all the Thai kids learn is Thai history. World history is given very minor, if any, coverage. Geography is the same.
The only understanding these kids (and their Thai teacher team leaders) would have of Hitler is that he was 'bad and mean', which the red team wanted the other teams to know they were.

Sad as it is, it is a fact of life in Thailand that the outside world means very little to the average Thai.

Many of you will remember a few years ago when there was a bit of a craze for German army style motorbike helmets (complete with swastika). They were everywhere !! The Thais had no idea of the offence they were causing to foreigners. They looked 'cool' and they were cheap. It wasn't until complaints started coming in from foreigners that they had any idea there was anything wrong.

[DrAndy]

anything else to say anyone?

without repeating yourself?

[waitaminute]

Yes, any idea when they will dress as mean and bad Taliban with one as Bin Laden, a dyalisis cordon on his side? Anyone has giant Afghan Buddhas statues they can lend that day?

[mad_dog]

Yes, any idea when they will dress as mean and bad Taliban with one as Bin Laden, a dyalisis cordon on his side? Anyone has giant Afghan Buddhas statues they can lend that day?

Eh?

[Hootad Binky]

anything else to say anyone?

without repeating yourself?

Just that it's just as bad if the students don't know what they're doing, imho.

[Texpat]

Next year... Hutus and Tutsies. It'll be a riot!

Or Catholics and Protestants in 1970 Ire. Great fun.

Perhaps the Falklands War. Argies-Poms. A group of 20 powder-blue kathoeys can hold off 6,000 gay sailors.

Anyone who suggests the Thai-Burmese conflict will be deported. Thank you eveyone for good times!