STREET WISE
Giving is key to generosity
An old tradition dictates that Songkran revellers carry with them a bag of sand when they visit temples during the festival. This is to replace the sand they accidentally took away from the courtyard during their visits over the past year.
The custom reflects Thai culture: we do not take advantage of others, intentionally or otherwise. But it seems that folks have forgotten this. In a materialist world governing the survival of the fittest, people are avid to take as much and give back as little as they can. Thus it's great to hear whenever self-made billionaires decide it is time to return something to society, particularly to help the poor. Many have established charitable foundations, but more are always welcome, as people are always in need of help. On Monday, a Common-wealth ministerial forum on debt relief began in Zambia, with finance ministers from the group saying the debt problem will plague poor countries for years to come. Delegates at a meeting of highly indebted poor countries within the Commonwealth discussed the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative- an measure by G-8 countries that would provide complete debt forgiveness to the world's poorest countries. In Africa, 18 countries have been selected to receive 100-per-cent debt forgiveness under the G-8 initiative. Eleven were represented at the forum. Around the world, the poor are looking for help. While these poor African countries look to the G-8 countries, the poor in Thailand also hope for continued financial support. The difference between these two groups is that while the African poor targets only creditors, the Thai poor targets both creditors and indirect assistance from the government. While Thai banks - privately or state-owned - have been forced to forgive farmers' debts, the government is also urged to continue such populist policies as soft loans to villagers. Making merit is a great thing, as long as the giver and recipient share mutual benefits. Yet, now it seems that people have become less satisfied with what others are willing to give, and there is no end in sight to their demands. This could result in a serious danger: givers might not want to give to the ungrateful. Perhaps, as the Songkran festival kicks off tomorrow, both sides should thoroughly consider how they should adjust their roles.
achara_d@nationgroup.com
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