ข้าพเจ้ามีความเห็นว่า

This video clip captured the moment when an associate principal of a Thai high school insulted a leader of a group of students who protested and called the school administrative board for transparency in managing their money. The situation was escalated to the point where the associate principal abusively hit the leader. This video clip went viral and was a subject of intense debate among Thais. The associate principal was suspended and investigated. He issued a statement acknowledging his unacceptable behavior, however, he firmly stated that he will not apologize the student leader. The reason behind that is beyond my brain to comprehend. To make the matter more ridiculous is that he was fined for hitting the student leader of 500 bath (approx 16 US dollars), and the argument between them was settled. The student leader apologize to the associate principal, and he forgave him!?!

This is not uncommon in Thai educational system. We had been taught to respect and obey our superiors especially those who are several years our seniors. They may insult, denounce, yell at, or physically abuse us, yet we must perceive those treatments as the means to help us achieve our educational goal (sort like no pain no gain). Those who rebel against are believed to be bad students.

I still remembered the first time I helped surgical residents performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. My task was to hold the scope. While I was doing that (without any instruction from the residents), a senior surgical faculty came into the room. He looked at my performance and started yelling at me. He denounced me and abusively hit me on my back. No surgical residents defended me. And after that encounter, he walked away without telling me what to do (and to be honest I DO NOT care because I never wanted to be a surgeon). Once he stepped out, the residents told me he always acted like that and don't take it seriously!?!

I regard this kind of "no pain no gain" with contempt and worthless. I vehemently despise this tradition, and hope that one day it will be annihilated.