Cultural Misunderstanding in Thailand

Thailand's Cultur Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul has recommended the mass production of "good luck charms" and selling them to tourists as souveniers. This decision is considered rash and is dangerous the sensitivity of Thai culture because some of the charms are phallic and which could be considered simply humorous to tourists who do not understand the ritualistic meaning. According to Thai academics, this proves that the Culture Minister has "no understanding of the culture". Needless to say, Mr. Worawat's suggestion drew harsh criticism as it could create a negative stereotype of Thai "good luck charms". People believed that the Culture Minister was simply making a joke out of the country's tradition. Mr Worawat defended himself by stating that the origionaly folklore of the meanings of the charms should be spread along with the souveniers. Still, academics believe that if this form of mass production came to being, it could lead to a cultural crisis.
Currently, Mr. Worawat denies making this claim about selling these cultural items and knick knacks for tourists.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/021008_News/02Oct2008_news04.php