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The Generation Gap
| published Sep 02, 2010
Bookie, 16, student
Kanokwan, 15, student
Thirakomen, 22, university student
Pluem, 23, unemployed
Noon, 22, university student
Pueng, 31, bank teller
Ben, 30, PR
Samrit, 38, reporter.
Sittikun, 40, university lecturer
Kwan, advertising creative, 42
Pimpat, 40-something, unemployed
Rich/poor. South/North. Pheua Thai/Democrat. There’s no shortage of deep divisions in Thailand, or even in Bangkok. But compared to the political turmoil of the past decades, in which students where prominent participants, age has hardly been discussed in relation to the current political crisis. Do fresh graduates really think like 40 and 50-somethings, who are at the height of their power and careers? Are they more selfish? Less idealistic? Or are we living in perfect generational harmony? With questions on topics ranging from same sex marriage to the country’s political chaos, BK takes a snapshot of aspirations and anxieties across the age spectrum.
The interviewees
Generation Y: Teenagers-25
Bookie, 16, student
Kanokwan, 15, student
Thirakomen, 22, university student
Pluem, 23, unemployed
Noon, 22, university student
Generation X: 25-40 somethings’
Pueng, 31, bank teller
Rarintip, 38, secretary
Ben, 30, PR
Samrit, 38, reporter.
Generation Forty+
Sittikun, 40, university lecturer
Kwan, advertising creative, 42
Pimpat, 40-something, unemployed
Koong, 50, housewife
Jeab, 40-something, ad director
GENERATION X, Y and Z
Do you think your Generation is going to be remembered for making a difference?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: Yes. With technology we’ve changed the world. Pleum: We are still young but I’m sure that we’ll soon take over and make a major change to the world. |
Pueng: I don’t think people in my generation have done anything remarkable. Samrit: Of course. All generations, from the Stone Age to the Digital Age have made a difference. |
Sittikun: I don’t think so. Jeab: Every generation makes some difference, but I don’t see anything from mine yet. Kwan: The Internet has changed the world. |
Do you think it’s a good time to be your age?
Do you have it tougher than other generations?
| Bookie: “Sabai” describes our generation. We have equal rights and are free from the confines of social expectations. Kanokwan: Tougher. We have to think, be responsible and make our own decisions at a young age. Pleum: We were brought up in a time of change, which means we are more capable of adapting and adopting new innovations. |
Pueng: I think our generation has it easier, because our parents’ generation built such a good foundation for us. Rarintip: I think it’s easier for us than before but we might also have it tougher than future generations. Ben: Well, it’s been amazing, so far! Samrit: I think older generations had it better because there was more humanity in their societies. |
Sittikun: I think it’s been tougher for sure. For my generation it’s a case of trying your best and earning success. The younger generation don’t have to try hard. Kwan: It’s OK but it’s not easy. Pim: Well, I can say I’m pretty satisfied with my life. Koong: Life is so much easier for us today. |
What is the best part about being born in your generation?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: We get a better quality education and have a lot more opportunities. Thirakomen: The best part is that we have all this technology at our disposal. Noon: Everything is progressing so quickly, so we get to experience more things in our lifetime. Pluem: We are fun. We always have new things to play with. |
Peung: Our generation is the ‘in-between’ generation: we get the best of both worlds – the technological and the natural world. Samrit: The best bit is I have been able to travel around the world. I also think our generation has been fortunate to see the change from buffalo to tractor and candle to neon light. |
Sittikun: I was born when technology had begun to develop. Therefore, technology and effort met half way. So although, we utilize technology we also use effort to accomplish something. Pim: When I was growing up younger people still respected their elders. Koong: Cleaner air and less pollution. |
What’s the worst part about being from your generation?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: People are becoming more selfish. Kanokwan: Being stuck in an age of globalization. Thirakomen: Hard-working parents that don’t understand “chilling.” Noon: Life is so fast-paced it makes things more complex. It’s hard to keep up. |
Peung: My generation’s parents are extremely pushy when it comes to our education and extracurricular activities. Rarintip: Don’t know yet. Ben: Well, how much more political turmoil can a person experience in 30 years? Samrit: Nothing! |
Sittikun: The education system. Honestly, 6 years in high school didn’t give me anything. Jeab: People are becoming more selfish. Kwan: Experiencing the 2004 tsunami. Koong: Everything had to be done manually. |
Are PEOPLE getting smarter or dumber?
| Kanokwan: Dumber, thanks to all the technology that does everything for us. Pluem: We are smarter in our ways of seeking better ways to live. At the same time our lifestyles are getting dumber. |
Pueng: Dumber, because people are becoming too reliant on technology. Rarintip: Both. Samrit: In our more competitive world people have definitely become more cunning. Samrit: Nothing! |
Jeab: Smarter but lazier, more independent but more complicated. Pim: Dumber. Technology, assists us in almost everything. Kids today pay less attention to studying, and more to games and chat. |
What is the biggest problem your generation is facing today?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: Lack of talent. For example, singers don’t have to have great voices. College graduates don’t actually have useful skills. Kanokwan: Our obsession with fashion, media, and music. Thirakomen: Dek waen and skoi. Noon: We are becoming more self-centered. Pluem: We tend to forget to appreciate the simple things: nature, food, family or even our own culture. |
Pueng: A lot of people in our generation are still unsure of what they want to do with their lives. Because we’ve been brought up to think that we have to have respectable careers, we don’t dare pursue something different. Rarintip: Global warming and politics. Ben: Aging gracefully! |
Sittikun: Trying to catch up with the next generation in term of trends and technology. Kwan: The divisions in the society. Pim: Society is becoming more competitive and thus, more selfishness exists. I think this is more a shared problem, not just for one particular generation. Koong: Increased technology, increased pollution and increased traffic. |
What problems are other generations facing?
| Bookie: The older generation are too into politics, which just causes further divisions in Thai society. Kanokwan: The older generation can’t keep up with the rapid changes. Thirakomen: Gen X wearing speedos and not wearing boxers. Noon: Kids are growing up way too fast. |
Pueng: The younger generation are too self-centered and don’t listen to adults. They’re way too confident. Rarintip: Global warming. Ben: Living up to our Gen X legacy. Samrit: The growing separation between the country and the city. |
Sittikun: Less morals, less integrity, more violence, more drugs. Jeab: Communication and perception. Kwan: How people are now more impatient Pim: Scarce resources and global warming. Koong: Pollution. Kids today suffer from allergies. |
LIFESTYLES
What’s your priority in life: money, family, success or something else?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: Family. Kanokwan: Everything revolves around family. Thirakomen: Sex. Food. Money. Love. More SEX!! Noon: Success. Pluem: Family, success, and money. |
Pueng: Myself. Making myself happy. Rarintip: Family then success which will come together with money. Samrit: Courage and pride in being a human. |
Suttikun: Life is short. When you die you can’t take money with you. Pim: Success, because then I can support my family. Koong: Family. |
What do you think of plastic surgery? Would you get some done?
| Kanokwan: I wouldn’t because you don’t even know how it will turn out. Thirakomen: Plastic surgery, for women, is the best thing on earth. Noon: I don’t mind as long as it doesn’t change who you really are. Pluem: I would do it, when I’m older, and they make it hurt less. |
Pueng: If it makes you prettier and happier then go for it. I wouldn’t do it. Rarintip: It can help make you look better and feel more confident. When I can afford it, I have a couple of things in mind. Ben: Hell yeah! Samrit: I wouldn’t. I’m not that freaky. But I understand some people need it. |
Sittikun: Suttikun: If I get old, let it be. If my hair starts falling out, I’ll shave my head. Kwan: It’s good for people who need to feel better about themselves. Pim: If it gives you a better look then do it. But not if it’s going to make you look like some sort of walking plastic wallet. |
What is the stupidest fashion trend? Why?
| Bookie: Those flowery headbands. They look like you have an insect stuck on your head. Kanokwan: Wearing extremely low rise shorts. It looks retarded. Pluem: The horse-legged pants. Why would people wear such ugly pants? |
Pueng: Fashion is fashion, no matter how crazy it is. Rarintip: I don’t know what the fashion was before this, or what’s coming next. Ben: My fringe. Who was I trying to kid? Samrit: It’s all about individual style. |
Suttikun: Hip-hop doesn’t really suit Thai teenagers. Kwan: Really skinny pants and Korean hairstyles. Pim: The “I wear what you wear” concept. Koong: High heels and shorts; they just don’t go together. |
POLITICS
What do you think about the gap between the rich and the poor in Thailand? Do you think it’s widening or narrowing?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Kanokwan: The rich are crazy rich, and the poor are extremely poor. But I think it’s narrowing. Thirakomen: The gap is damn big, wider than the Nile. It’s widening as well. Pluem: I think it’s the same as ten years ago. |
Pueng: Widening, because children from rich families get more opportunities. Ben: Unimaginably wide. It’s getting wider and you can’t do anything to bridge that. Samrit: It’s existed for a long time, but you are only poor if you feel poor. It’s all about your attitude. |
Suttikun: There has been a gap for so long and it will become wider. Jeab: Thailand has a big gap as we’re a developing country. It’ll narrow as more people are educated, but it will take 10 or 20 years. Pim: I think it’s widening. The politicians and the investors are getting richer. |
What is your solution to the current divisions in society?
| Bookie: The red shirts can get lost down South. Noon: Ignorance is bliss. Pluem: It’s a cliché to say “education” and “listen to each other.” It’s the only answer yet, somehow, it’s impractical. |
Pueng: People should avoid unnecessary issues that lead to arguments. Rarintip: It doesn’t matter if you think differently, you should not create disunity. Samrit: Just live life. |
Jeab: It’s a headache. No one wants to compromise because they want to get everything they want. Pim: Everyone should care more about the country as a whole, not just themselves. Koong: To not talk about it. |
Do you believe in Global Warming? What are you doing about it?
| Bookie: I do projects at school to create awareness. Kanokwan: I use cloth bags. Noon: Of course. I recycle, when I’m not being lazy. Pluem: It’s scientifically proven: it’s happening and happening fast. |
Pueng: I try to cut back on using air-con, plastic bags, and I’ve planted trees in my own home. Rarintip: I try as much as I can to use cloth bags. Ben: I have a jungle on my balcony. |
Suttikun: Most people don’t care much for the future. My daughter always warns me to save energy, though. Pim: I feel sorry that not that many people care. We should educate people. Koong: Yes, but I’m not doing anything to stop it. |
Do you think people are becoming less religious?
| Bookie: Yes. It’s all about money now. Kanokwan: Not really. But why do some temple carnivals have coyote girls? Pluem: I think people rely on religion more than ever. |
Pueng: Possibly. Yes. Rarintip: Some of them Ben: Yeah. DUH! Samrit: People are moving so far, far away from the temple. |
Suttikun: These days, most people believe in themselves. Pim: Yes, and when people have no belief, they lack a sense of conscience about their actions. |
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS
Would you kiss someone on a first date? Would you sleep with them?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Kanokwan: No. I need more time to get to know the guy. Thirakomen: Yes. Free kiss, free sex. You think I’m stupid? Noon: Depends. Pluem: Depends on how he looks. |
Rarintip: No. Ben: Yeah. DUH! |
Suttikun: I’d do both if I have the chance. Trust me, every guy would say the same. Kwan: Kiss maybe. Sleep too if she kisses me back! Pim: No, I wouldn’t know that person well enough. Unless it’s George Clooney. Koong: No! |
How old where you when you lost your virginity? Your first kiss?
| Bookie: I haven’t lost my virginity. Kanokwan: Haven’t experienced either yet. Thirakomen: To be honest, I’m still a virgin. My first kiss was in high school. Pluem: I can’t remember. Seriously. |
Pueng: I haven’t lost my virginity. My first kiss was when I was 25. Ben: 19. The first kiss was the same night that I lost my virginity. Samrit: I can’t remember, I can’t even remember the last time. |
Suttikun: 15, 16-years old. Can’t remember exactly. Kwan: Both aged 15. Pim: When I was quite a long way over 20. Koong: 27, after getting married. |
When should people be having sex?
| Bookie: When both people are ready. Kanokwan: 25 years old, when you have a job. Thirakomen: Over 18. Noon: When they feel like it’s right. Pluem: It’s natural. People had sex since humans first existed. Why shouldn’t people be having sex? |
Pueng: When they’re ready. Rarintip: When you’re mature. Ben: When they are ready and prepared. Samrit: After graduation or at least at the legal age. |
Suttikun: I would say when you feel serious about your relationship. Kwan: When they know how to practice safe sex. Pim: When they’re old enough to be responsible and take care of themselves. Koong: After marriage. |
What do you think of abortion?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: It’s murder. Kanokwan: Extremely bad karma. Thirakomen: Gray area. But it’s bad from my point of view. Noon: Depends on the situation. Pluem: I am pro-choice. |
Pueng: I think that abortion is acceptable in some circumstances. Rarintip: I prefer to not answer, but everyone have their own reasons to do things. Samrit: If there was a good reason. |
Suttikun: NO WAY! It’s irresponsible. You did it so be responsible. Jeab: It’s terrible and a poor reflection of society. Kwan: In some cases it’s necessary. Koong: I disagree with it. |
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS
What do you think of prostitution?
Teen - 25 |
25- 40 |
40+ |
| Bookie: It’s a job. Let them be, if they are not harming anyone. Kanokwan: It’s a stupid job that makes you worthless. Thirakomen: They distribute AIDS but many would rather do something else. Noon: Disgusting. Pluem: It’s a risky way to make a living. |
Pueng: It should be legalized. To me, it’s just a job. Ben: Fine as long as I don’t have to pay. Samrit: I think it’s better than being a politician. |
Suttikun: They do this for a living. It’s their decision. Be respectful of them. Jeab: It shows how bad society has become. Kwan: Better than letting perverts rape other people. Koong: I disagree with it. |
What do you think of sex before marriage?
| Bookie: If you want to do it, then do it. (If you’re not cheating on anyone). Thirakomen: Parents think too much. Mee mee pai her. Noon: I don’t think sex after marriage exists. Pluem: Very normal. Everyone knows about it but no one talks about it. |
Pueng: Sometimes, it’s better to live together to see how compatible couples are. It’s up to the couple, not society. Ben: Isn’t that why someone invented ‘test drive?’ Samrit: It’s not a big deal, but it’s better if you can wait. |
Suttikun: It’s against my religion but its become normal for this generation. Jeab: It’s a personal choice. Kwan: It’s important to know if you can get along with the other person Pim: I don’t mind. Koong: Bad. |
What do you think of same sex marriages?
| Bookie: I’m happy for those people who’ve found their soulmates, regardless of sex. Thirakomen: Everyone should have equal rights. |
Pueng: I support it. We should all have equal rights. Ben: I’m all for it. Samrit: Fine, you can’t stop the way someone feels. |
Suttikun: If they are happy with each other, why do you have to give a damn. Jeab: It’s OK, as long as the couple are happy. Kwan: It’s their business. |
What would you say if your son was gay?
| Bookie: Congratulations! Kanokwan: I’d probably be shocked at first but you can’t fight who you are. Thirakomen: I’d beat the crap out of him. Noon: No matter what, I will love him for who he is. Pluem: I used to be a lesbian, too! |
Pueng: As long as he’s happy, he can be whoever he wants to be. Rarintip: As long as he’s a good guy, he’s my son, whatever he wants to be. Ben: OK, son. Sathit: All I can do is just look into his eyes and say, “You’re a good person.” |
Kwan: I don’t have one so I don’t know. Pim: I would tell him to take care of himself, and become a great person for me, his father, his friends and society. Koong: I can’t do anything, but I would be upset. |
