Tea Money

Today's song is: Where is the Love  .. Black Eyed Peas and Ariana  .. Manchester

Thailand has some interesting concepts. One of them is paying 'tea money' to secure a position. That position may be in the school system for student placement, the police force for a posting to a better job or location, and let's not forget the army.  A recent article in the Bangkok Post ran a poll to see how the average, and not so average Thai person felt about buying a position rather than earning it.  It is an interesting read.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1279570/majority-disapprove-of-paying-tea-money-for-school-admission-poll

The question that needs to be asked is, 'Who gets to keep this 'Tea Money' and do they pay taxes on it, etc. The current government is supposedly looking into it.

Of course, in the Western world we like to think everything runs on merit, but I am sure if you make a significant donation to a university your child's application is looked on more favourably. The difference, I think, is that the institution has received the donation, not a person. Patronage has many forms throughout the world.

Thavorn had a good time last night and stayed out until 2:30 am and would probably have been out longer if the army had not shown up to ensure closing hours were respected, which they never are, until the army shows up. She was talking and playing pool with her friends and getting caught up farang/Thai relationships. I think we are the longest running relationship :-)

Shaun landed safely in Phuket and is having his ups and downs, in more ways than one  :-)

TTYL