I hope that is not the case. This thread puts a whole new perspective on Thai culture for me. Don't smile, don't look someone in the eye, don't give a child a friendly pat on the head, never ever raise your voice or disrespect a Thai person (that sounds a little extreme), never disrespect or question the King (but it is OK to have a coup against the PM), and it is accepted that "negro's" (sic) and other races are treated with less respect than whites. Even business women will NOT be treated with the same respect as men? I can only assume we are talking about 100 years ago and not modern 21st century culture in Thailand. I am sure there may be similar things in the U.S. but I can't think of them. Maybe the King is kind of like the American Flag or something and how most people say the national anthem a ball games, etc.