One thing I really hate.

Those people who think you should keep your mouth shut about things if
you are in a foreign country.

“You are a guest in their country”, they spout. “You have no right to
criticize”.

What a load of nonsense.

Who gave them the right to tell other people what to do? Eh?

And why do they think you even need rights to speak up about things
that are wrong, about injustice.

I couldn’t care less if someone wants to bash the country of my birth – Britain.

Why should it be any different in the place where you live, Thailand?

Even if you are just a visitor.

I am not even saying that you have to have lived in a place five, ten
or fifty years before you somehow gain these “rights”.

I see no reason why the tourist off the plane should not have their
say immediately if that is what they want.

Countries can learn a lot from their visitors – it’s called perspective.

Sure people look a bit silly if they bash based on no knowledge of the
reasons, whys and wherefores for the problems.

But who says you have to be informed before you rant?

The Rant Police?

I may have spent most of my compos mentis life in Thailand but I think
that everyone has the right to their opinion.

Sure we must all keep within the law, even if we disagree with it.

But why should foreigners be silent when they see things they disagree with?

Obviously being fair is important, being informed a distinct advantage.

Having a valid point helps.

Who doesn’t hate those Thai bashers who abound on forums like Thaivisa
who are neither fair, informed or have a point except to troll or
incite.

But there are many of us who care passionately about Thailand.

We want to see it improve – just like the Thais do.

We care enough about it to criticize. We care enough to comment. We
want things to be better.

So don’t tell me I can’t rant.

To paraphrase the song:

It’s my party and I’ll rant if I want to.