Ibrahim Jabbari
National pride is very much part of the Thai psyche. The country clings to pride that it’s the only nation in Southeast Asia to have never been colonised by European countries. The national anthem is played twice a day, with the expectation that people will stop and stand until the song has finished. The national flag is flown in many places, raised with the national anthem each morning and lowered again in the evening. The King’s anthem is played before movies start in cinemas. Many Thais profess an enduring love for their country, extending to religion and the monarchy. While foreigners are generally welcome in Thailand, they will always be on the fringes, even if only slightly.
