As a half-Thai student of modern Southeast Asian studies whose better half works in the Thai tourist empire, I’ve never understood the degree to which so-called anthropologists like to make themselves self-aggrandizing little badges labeling themselves “non-tourist”. To my mind we are all outsiders and voyeurs.

Perhaps instead of running and hiding we should instead engage. Besides what tourism may often lack in cross-cultural understanding it more than makes up for in cold hard cash – probably more of a contribution to the livelihoods of ordinary Thais than some unread thesis gathering dust on a shelf.

In addition, a new socially responsible face to toursim is emerging in some parts, which is not all ,marketing hype but genuinely succeeds in having a positive impact upon the communities in which they exist.

Example: http://www.shintamani.com/

Perhaps students of modern Southeast Asia should also consider giving back a little more to the communities in which they study.