Holding a Mirror Up to Thailand: Thisrupt's Voranai Vanijaka [Season 4, Episode 43]

This week Greg interviews Khun Voranai Vanijaka, a
well-known Thai journalist, social commentator, and founder and
editor-in-chief of Thisrupt.co, an
English language website and social media enterprise that focuses
on social and political issues in Thailand. Khun Voranai explains
his unique background as a Thai man who grew up in Austin, TX,
and also that Thisrupt is currently self-funded by him, but that
he is negotiating with investors.


He and Greg next elucidate Thisrupt's vision: politics,
society, and economics are really all just aspects of culture,
and Thisrupt's goal is to focus on all facets of 'Thainess.'
After Greg asks about the site's edgy content, Voranai contends
that it is a journalist's duty to 'push the envelope' and not
simply be PR for the government. He explains that a society
cannot improve without first being able to speak and generate
dialogue on a topic, and he insists that he will not be cowed in
bringing up sensitive issues.


They also discuss Thailand's changing younger generation
and the impact of new technology and social media on Thai
society. As Voranai states, he doesn't like Thailand's past or
present, but he's looking forward to its future. 


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