Thailand’s Full Moon Parties Have Become a Trashy Disgrace

 

A really interesting Time article:

 

http://world.time.com/2013/07/08/thailands-full-moon-parties-have-become-a-trashy-disgrace/#ixzz2YVHzW5Hv

One point the writer seems to have forgotten. Just 5 years ago, the Deputy Prime Minister in the previous government wanted to ‘copyright’ the Full Moon Party to prevent other countries from using the title – and as a “selling point” in promoting Thai tourism!
 

Commerce Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan plans to patent the full moon party - an idea which an intellectual property law expert calls "impractical".

Mr Mingkwan yesterday said he had instructed his officials to patent the full moon party, to prevent other countries from copying Thailand's famous festival.

The all-night beach bash is held each full moon on the tourist island of Koh Phangan, off Surat Thani province. The party draws large numbers of young foreign tourists.

The idea of copyrighting the full moon party, the minister said, came to him after he learned that Singapore had organised a similar party on its artificial island of Sentosa.

Besides seeking to protect the party's name from commercial use in foreign countries, the ministry would also promote the full moon party as a "selling point" while promoting Thai tourist attractions abroad, Mr Mingkwan said during a meeting with members of Surat Thani's chamber of commerce.

 

http://www.phangan-guide.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=724&sid=f7173079f63bddb76dfeb91455b3662c

Have Become a Trashy Disgrace

Have? "Had" and "still are" would be more accurate LOL. 

 

It's gotten so bad that even normal young guys who aren't especially risk adverse are hesitant to go now. Letting it get to that point destroys its value. 

 

One thing the Thais seem to be very poor at is retaining value that has been built. The country is so short sighted and dysfunctional, it lets many good things slip through its fingers. 

We can all agree though that on the positive side, the one good thing that never slips through their fingers is the almighty baht.

 

And since when did 'trashy disgrace' become a negative in the Land of Smiles? Unless he is specifically speaking about the rubbish that seems to litter the streets, sea, drains etc. in heavy tourist areas. On that point, I agree - shame.