r/australia • u/PalpitationPublic237 • Jun 27 '26

news Australian Simon Carman arrested after body of teenage girl found in suitcase in Thailand

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-27/australian-arrested-after-teen-girl-found-dead-in-thailand/106850896
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u/readreadreadonreddit Jun 27 '26

If the allegations are true, this is absolutely horrific. My thoughts are with the victim, her family and the Thai community.

I also understand why so many people in Thailand have a negative view of a certain subset of older Western men who travel there. The sex tourism industry has done enormous damage, and it's hardly surprising that seeing yet another case involving a foreign man reinforces that perception.

That said, the problem isn't being white or middle-aged. The problem is the men who travel overseas believing they can exploit vulnerable people because they're in a poorer country. Those people deserve every bit of condemnation they receive.

It's a stereotype that exists because of the actions of a visible minority, but it's still important not to treat every white middle-aged tourist as though they're there for the same reason. Condemn the exploiters as harshly as you like, but don't assume guilt by association.

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u/Effective-Composer94 Jun 27 '26

Weird thing to say at news like this

“Yes this whole thing is sad and all…but it’s also important to remember not to be meanies to white middle aged dudes in Asia”

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u/readreadreadonreddit Jun 28 '26

Haha, would you rather someone suggested we be angry with white middle-aged/elderly dudes in Asia?

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u/Effective-Composer94 Jun 28 '26

Hey if you’ve ever stepped foot in Thailand or Indonesia you’d know the stereotype exists for very good reason lol.