Thai Women Movement

Introduction

From the past until now, conservative Thai culture has transformed little by little. Transformation of Thai culture is caused by two components; the first is the development that Thailand has in itself. The second component is the influences from other countries. At present one of the important changes that can be clearly seen is the role of women in Thai society. Compared to the past, modern Thai women tend to be more active, confident, and independent. Since women's roles have changed, the new and surprised kind of relationship between men and women, which is called a "gig," is introduced into the Thai society. Gig means a relationship between males and females who practically act like a boyfriend or a girlfriend; but they do not really commit themselves into a relationship. In other words, such behavior is quite similar to the practice of polygamy in the past. The "gig" phenomenon reflects drastic changes in Thai society especially the role of Thai women. However, in this paper, the emphasis will be put on the transformation of traditional Thai women to modern day Thai women's roles and the practice of gig among Thai young women. The pervasive practice of gig in female youngsters is an evidence of young Thai women seeking gender equality.

Background knowledge

Thai society, the society of polygamy in men

Most Thai men are recognized by some Thai women as unfaithful husbands since a large amount of Thai men are rooted to value the practice of polygamy. Traditionally, the practice of polygamy was widely accepted in Thai society. Thai men usually had at least one minor wife or more. Although polygamy was legally abolished in 1932, the practice of polygamy still exists in modern day Thai society.

Thai society has long been under the patriarchal system, a form of social organization in which a man or men rule and descent is reckoned through the male line. In other words, Thai society was a male dominant one which women's status was unquestionably inferior when compared to men's status. Generally, men had the responsibilities to earn an income for his family, as well as to protect his family members; while women had to follow their husbands and look after their husbands and children. In the past, Thai women had to behave properly and be faithful to their husbands. The proper behaviors of Thai women include obedient, modest, submissive, and being a good housewife. The traits of good housewife are explained in Cross-Cultural Communication: An introduction text book that "The wife is expected to look nice, to be obedient and loyal to the husband, to manage the household chores and to take care of her husband and the children." In contrast, Thai men were the leader of their family and had full authorities over their wives. "Wives and children were subjects of their husbands and parents; they could be sold as a piece of property."(Onozawa, 7) It can be noted from this quote that in the past women were held as men's property; and they could be sold to compensate debts. In some family, a daughter was offered to the royal family, the nobles, and the well-off people as a second, third, or fourth wife in order to build social prestige and power.

What's worse, though women were obliged to be loyal to the husbands, it didn't necessary mean that husbands had to be faithful and loyal to their wives. The practice of polygamy in men tended to be widely accepted in traditional Thai society; as most men in every Thai social class had a so-called Mia Noi" or a minor wife. Extra-marital affairs were especially common in high social class. In the past, Thai men recognized polygamy practices as an action to show superiority. To explain, men believed that the number of wives they had represented the social class they belonged in. Having many wives show that they were wealthy or prominent enough to be able to support all of his wives. "Traditionally, polygamy was a common practice and the more number of wives represented the more power of the husband, also apply to the king" (Onozawa, 7)

. According to the Law on Husbands and Wives, enacted in 1361 during the Ayudhaya era, it allowed men to practice polygamy. Moreover, the practice of polygamy was upheld and wives were classified into three categories in the Three Seals Law which was promulgated during the early Rattanakosin period. These two laws indicated that it was legally acceptable for men to have extra-marital affairs or practice polygamy. While Thai men enjoyed their polygamous freedom, Thai women had no rights in such matters. If any Thai women practiced polygamy, they could be punished by their husband and would be socially stigmatized as a bad woman or prostitute.

Gig a new phenomenon

Term and definition

The gig phenomenon was introduced to Thai society about four years ago and since then it has gained popularity among Thai youngsters. Many Thai teenagers have quite positive attitude towards this action as some of them are not aware of its hidden interpretation of an affair or cheating on their significant other. In fact, a gig can be defined as a kind of short term relationship which occurs between men and women. They can act as if they were a boyfriend or a girlfriend but they do not have any commitments. Besides, it has been accepted that one person can have as many gigs as one would like to. Basically, gig is a new term referring to having a promiscuous relationship. Nonetheless, the differences between the old typical practices of polygamy and gig relationship behaviors is that traditionally polygamy was allowed for men only; whereas in a gig relationship there is no gender restriction so women are allowed to practice a gig relationship. Soon after this term, gig, was introduced to Thai society, women have adapted this term and practices so they can have second, third and/ or fourth boyfriends. The example can be taken from an opinion stated in a book called gig more than friend; yet not a boyfriend or a girlfriend, a 22-year-old girl, Miss Joy (supposed name) that "boyfriend is like a repeated and boring routine but he's the one who understands you the most. While having gig can be liveliness, a challenge or even an excitement in life since we have to get to know each other and make an impression. Gig is having the second, third, fourth,Ð'..., boyfriend."

The origin of this word can not be exactly traced; still, there are number of assumptions. Some people believe that the word "Gig" comes from the English slang "gig" which means a short activity or a performance. While others find that "gig" has a similar sound