Thailands Most HATED Subculture..

Summary

In Thailand, the Deckwen subculture emerged in the early 2000s, consisting of rebellious, young motorbike riders who raced scooters through the streets of Bangkok. Known for their modified Honda Wave bikes, flashy attire, and illegal street races, the Deckwen culture was widely hated for disrupting traffic and public peace. Despite numerous police crackdowns, including large-scale raids and arrests, the subculture persisted, especially in rural areas. The story highlights the contrast between Thailand's tough, suppressive approach to youth rebellion and the challenges of addressing the root causes of such subcultures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deck Gwen is a notorious subculture in Thailand, primarily involving young people riding modified scooters in gangs.
• 🚨 The subculture gained significant attention due to dangerous racing, illegal activities, and public disturbances, particularly in Bangkok.
• 🎬 The origins of Deck Gwen may trace back to a 1990s Thai film 'A Moment of Romance,' which portrayed rebellious bikers.
• 🏍️ Deck Gwen riders commonly use small, modified scooters (often Honda Waves), with the goal of standing out through flashy modifications.
• 💇‍♂️ Both male and female Deck Gwen participants often have distinctive appearances, with dyed hair, tattoos, piercings, and attention-grabbing clothing.
• 💥 Deck Gwen gangs caused widespread disruption in Bangkok, racing through streets, making loud noises, and intimidating locals, leading to public disdain.
• 📉 By the mid-2010s, the Thai government initiated significant crackdowns on Deck Gwen, involving arrests, bike seizures, and criminal sentences.
• 👮‍♂️ Thai authorities employed aggressive tactics to suppress the Deck Gwen culture, including shaming them publicly and targeting their bike garages for modifications.
• ⚖️ Thai police implemented laws such as limiting biker gatherings to five people to curb the growing power of Deck Gwen gangs.
• 🔨 The Thai government's approach to the issue was harsh and aimed at quashing the Deck Gwen presence through large-scale raids and public deterring measures.
• 🌍 As of 2023, Deck Gwen has largely faded from Bangkok, but the culture still exists in rural areas, with occasional sightings and minor incidents.

Q & A

What is Deck Gwen, and how did it originate?

Deck Gwen is a subculture in Thailand involving young, rebellious teenagers who form motorbike gangs. The origin of Deck Gwen is unclear, but one theory suggests it was inspired by a 1993 Thai film, *A Moment of Romance*, about a motorbike getaway driver and his forbidden relationship with a kidnapped woman.

What kind of bikes do Deck Gwen prefer, and why?

Deck Gwen predominantly use small Honda Wave motorbikes (around 120cc). These bikes are affordable, fast, and reliable, making them ideal for navigating heavy traffic in cities like Bangkok.

How do Deck Gwen members modify their bikes?

They often modify their bikes by installing flashy stickers, changing the bike's color to bright hues, removing mirrors, and upgrading exhaust systems for increased noise and performance. The goal is to make the bike stand out and reflect the rider's status.

What is the significance of the bikes in the Deck Gwen culture?

For Deck Gwen, the bike represents more than just transportation; it symbolizes status and identity. For many members from disadvantaged backgrounds, the bike is the primary means of gaining respect and recognition in their communities.

How do Deck Gwen riders' clothing styles reflect their subculture?

Deck Gwen members often wear casual, low-effort clothing, such as tight singlets, ripped jeans, and flip-flops. They also engage in similar hairstyles, often dyeing their hair with cheap products, which results in a ginger or yellowish color.

What impact did Deck Gwen have on Thai society in the early 2000s?

Deck Gwen became a significant nuisance in Thailand, especially in cities like Bangkok. The gangs caused disruptions with loud noises, illegal racing, and reckless riding, which led to widespread public resentment and led authorities to take action.

How did the Thai authorities respond to the growing Deck Gwen problem?

In response to the growing Deck Gwen culture, Thai authorities launched several crackdowns in the 2010s. These included large-scale raids, arrests, fines, and confiscation of motorbikes. The police also targeted the garages where the bikes were modified.

How did Deck Gwen gangs impact traffic and safety in Bangkok?

Deck Gwen gangs created a hazardous situation in Bangkok by racing through heavy traffic at high speeds, often without helmets or licenses. This reckless behavior resulted in accidents and put both the riders and pedestrians at significant risk.

What is the current status of the Deck Gwen subculture in Thailand?

By 2023, the Deck Gwen culture has significantly diminished in Bangkok due to strict law enforcement and public backlash. However, some smaller groups still exist, primarily in rural areas, where their numbers are less visible.

How does the Thai approach to dealing with Deck Gwen differ from other countries?

Thailand's approach to Deck Gwen has been more focused on direct suppression through large-scale crackdowns and public shaming, such as parading arrested individuals. In contrast, countries like the UK might prioritize creating opportunities for young people to reduce the appeal of such subcultures, though this approach often lacks sufficient funding or long-term success.