Thailand vs Indonesia: A Comprehensive Comparison

The debate over which country is more developed between Thailand and Indonesia has been a topic of interest among scholars, travelers, and policymakers alike. Both nations share similarities in terms of culture, demographics, and economy. However, there are distinct differences that highlight their unique positions on the development index. This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of Thailand and Indonesia, focusing on transportation, road safety, and intelligence quotient (IQ).

Transportation

Both Thailand and Indonesia have rapidly growing transport sectors, reflecting their expanding urban populations. However, the efficiency, reliability, and safety of transportation in these countries differ significantly.

Indonesia: Jakarta

While Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is experiencing rapid growth, it also faces numerous transportation challenges. According to a report, 'Transport in Jakarta has a rapid growth along with an increase in the population, particularly in urban areas. Sadly, the low standards of efficiency, reliability, and safety, along with poor enforcement, render the public transportation system subpar. Businesses in Jakarta have an unwritten rule: if taking buses is unavoidable, it often signals that the business is on the brink of collapse.'

Thailand: Bangkok

Bangkok faces comparable challenges but has its unique set of issues. The city is ranked second only to Mexico City in terms of congestion. The immediate causes of Bangkok’s transport problems include: 1. Lack of proper roads and poor road safety, 2. Inadequate public transport in many areas, 3. Traffic management and environmental issues, and 4. Government and political problems. However, the unwritten rule in Bangkok is slightly different: when people are down and out, taking buses is seen as a lifesaver. Non-A/C buses cost only 8 Baht.

Road Safety

Both Thailand and Indonesia struggle with road safety, with alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Thailand

In 2021, Thailand ranked ninth from the bottom among 175 WHO member countries for road traffic deaths. Road safety awareness in Thailand is generally low, leading to numerous accidents, especially involving buses and trucks travelling at high speeds. Despite these challenges, Thais have a clever strategy: they follow the lead of dogs, calling them 'little brothers/sisters.' Motorists give way to vehicles if no dogs are present. Nonetheless, this strategy does not work for everyone, as Thai women generally avoid crossing roads in Bangkok.

Indonesia

Indonesian transport systems are also plagued by unsafe practices. Buses and trucks are often considered dangerously overloaded, contributing to numerous accidents. In contrast to Thai practices, Indonesian people have an effective method: an outstretched 'magic hand' to signal safety as they step off the bus or truck.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

IQ scores further highlight the differences between the two countries. Indonesia ranks 129th globally with an average IQ score of 78.49. Thailand, on the other hand, scores higher at 64th globally with an average IQ of 88.87, placing it in the category of 'Slightly Below Average Intelligence.' However, this ranking does not fully capture the cognitive skills and intelligence of the people.

Personal Experiences and Stereotypes

Both Thai and Indonesian ladies have faced rumors and stereotypes, particularly regarding criminal behavior. A Thai woman was suspected of poisoning and charged with 14 murders, while an Indonesian woman was jailed for 20 years for murdering a college friend. It is crucial to note that these individual cases do not represent the entire population.

Corruption

Corruption remains a significant issue in both countries. Thailand faces high risks of corruption in most sectors, though Indonesia ranks marginally higher. Despite these challenges, both Thai and Indonesian people exhibit remarkable resilience and tolerance in their daily lives.

Conclusion

Thailand and Indonesia have their unique strengths and challenges. While Indonesia may boast a larger population and a more cosmopolitan city like Jakarta, Bangkok's well-developed infrastructure and lower IQ score in the global context highlight both successes and areas for improvement. Factors such as transportation, road safety, and intelligence quotas vary significantly between the two nations. Nonetheless, both countries share common characteristics of friendliness, courtesy, and resilience. Whether Thailand or Indonesia is 'more developed' is a subjective question that requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach.