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naddr1qq…uwy9This article is a translation of my original Thai-language article, which will be published as a long-form piece in the coming days.
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After listening to these two masters go back and forth, circling each other like intellectual gladiators, I gotta say… the lines between the “real world” and the “virtual world” are getting seriously blurry.
Watch more > Alt+Tab Season 2 EP4 : “พี่ชิต” ดร.วิชิต ซ้ายเกล้า
The battle for power is changing, man.
Forget tanks and explosions, the most powerful weapon now is invisible, hiding in plain sight. It’s woven into the fabric of society. We call it “Soft Power”, the unseen influence that slowly consumes us, manipulates us… without us even realizing it.
“The wars we see today…” Wichit says with a voice that sends shivers down your spine, “It’s just throwing percentages at each other in the air.”
Piriya nods in agreement. “Like you said, humans are getting smarter, more cunning. Those old-school, head-on confrontations? They just lead to destruction. Waste of resources, waste of life…”
They’re right, you know… Back in the day, if you wanted something, you just sent an army to take it. Conquered land, plundered resources. It was all about “Hard Power.”
Direct, brutal, effective… but the scars ran deep.
The world today is way more complex. Humans have learned to use “influence” to infiltrate every aspect of life.. individuals, societies, even international relations. No bloodshed, but the results are even more potent…
That’s why “Soft Power” has become the most powerful weapon in this new age.
Imagine…
A world where information is the new crude oil… Where attention is the currency… And beliefs are weapons… Used cunningly in this invisible battlefield…
“Influence” is the real victory. Not about conquering land anymore. It’s about controlling minds, hearts, and actions…
Here are some prime examples of “Soft Power” playing out in our everyday lives.
Online Warfare - Fake news, twisted facts, everyone’s sharing it like crazy on social media. A few taps on a screen can destroy reputations, incite hatred, and control people’s thoughts without breaking a sweat. (Wichit calls it “promiscuous bits” in his lectures.)
Have you ever… almost made a bad decision because you believed a rumor or fake news? Have you ever… fallen prey to manipulation, been tricked into hating or opposing someone without even knowing why?
That, my friend, is Soft Power working its magic… behind the scenes…
Economic Control - Think about those skyrocketing interest rates, inflation… everything’s getting more expensive by the day while our wallets get thinner.
That’s the consequence of Soft Power wielded by a handful of people who control the global economy.
Ever wonder… why your money seems to be worth less and less each day? Why you work harder, but life doesn’t get any better?
The “money” system, controlled by the few… that’s the culprit…
Cultural Domination - Movies, TV shows, music, fashion… We consume it all every day, and it slowly seeps in, shaping our thoughts, values, and behavior without us even realizing it. It’s a tool used by certain groups to manipulate and steer society…
Have you ever… wanted to be, have, or act like what you see in the media? Ever gone along with trends or fads, even if they didn’t really reflect who you are?
That’s the power of “Cultural Domination”…
“The scary part is… most people don’t even realize they’re being manipulated.” Piriya shakes his head.
“It’s like a frog being boiled alive. By the time they realize it, it’s too late…”
Wichit sighs…
“The system is broken, slowly eroding us from the inside… God knows where it’ll all end, but it’s not gonna be pretty.”
…
Wait, what about “Money”? Isn’t that Soft Power too?
Money used to be a mirror, reflecting the “value” of work, of resources. It was a tool for exchanging, saving, building wealth…
But today… the “money” system is designed to be conjured up out of thin air. No real cost, no sweat. Just print more bills, and suddenly its value is distorted. Leading to “bubbles of inequality” and a crisis of faith in money itself…
It’s like sand… the tighter you grip it, the more it slips away…
“Like when America ditched the Bretton Woods system and embraced Fiat currency, which they can print endlessly… It’s how they became the world’s financial superpower.” Wichit explains.
“Countries that used to hoard gold, like Europe, China, Russia… they lost power because the money they held wasn’t worth as much anymore.”
“So what about Thailand? We’re just a small country. How can we survive?” Piriya asks, worried.
“We can’t just print our own money. We have no control over the global economy…”
“That’s the million-dollar question…” Wichit says with a serious tone.
“If we don’t wake up, if we’re not prepared, Thailand could become a victim in this power struggle.”
“We need to build up our “immunity,” man…”
…
Bitcoin.. Hope or Menace?
In the midst of this Soft Power battleground, filled with deception and distorted truths, Bitcoin emerges… like a beacon of light piercing through the darkness. A glimmer of hope for a fairer world, a chance to reshape the global economy…
“Weapons should be used for self-defense, not to attack others.” Wichit says, implying that Bitcoin is no different.
“It’s a tool that can be used for good or for evil. It all depends on who’s wielding it.”
Bitcoin is presented as a symbol of “Truth” in the digital realm.
No one can counterfeit it or control it. It’s finite, requiring energy to “mine.” It’s like applying the laws of physics to the financial system, creating honesty and transparency that traditional money can’t achieve.
Imagine… a public ledger that everyone can see, transparent, unchangeable… That’s Bitcoin.
“It’s like a monetary revolution, creating a new system that’s fair, transparent, and accessible to everyone.” Piriya says excitedly.
“No one can print more Bitcoin on a whim. No one controls it.”
“Exactly.” Wichit adds.
“If people understand and accept it, Bitcoin can change the world. Bring balance, reduce inequality, and return power to the people.”
“Imagine… a world where money belongs to the people, not the government or banks…”
But Bitcoin is a double-edged sword… In the hands of the righteous, it’s a beacon of hope. A chance to create a fairer world.
*But in the wrong hands? *
It could become a menace, a tool for money laundering, crime, even a “weapon” for cyber warfare…
…
Where Does Thailand Stand?
“The question is… with Bitcoin challenging the old powers, how should Thailand respond?” Piriya asks seriously.
“Do we embrace it? Resist it? Or just ignore it?”
“Doing nothing is not an option, just like when we missed the boat on the gold standard.” Wichit emphasizes.
“Back then, England pushed for the gold standard, but Thailand clung to the old way. We ended up losing out, trade deficits, economic downturn… We can’t let history repeat itself.”
“I agree.” Piriya nods.
“We need to learn from the past and prepare for the future.”
“The government and the people need to wake up, study, and truly understand Bitcoin.” Wichit continues.
“Not just knowing what it is… but understanding its mechanisms, its potential, its risks.”
“You mean… we should push for Bitcoin to be the main currency of Thailand?” Piriya asks.
“Whoa, hold your horses, Professor.” Wichit smiles.
“No need to rush things. I think we should start by creating a space for people to learn and experiment with Bitcoin. Promote innovation and businesses related to blockchain. Maybe the government could set up a “regulatory sandbox” to control and mitigate risks along the way.”
“But will the government be willing to relinquish control over money and embrace Bitcoin?” Piriya asks skeptically.
“It won’t be easy.” Wichit sighs…
“Power is seductive. Everyone wants to hold on to it. But if we see Bitcoin as an opportunity for Thailand to develop, to create stability and prosperity for the people, I believe the government will see the benefits and eventually embrace it.”
“So what can we, the people, do?” Piriya asks.
“We need to be aware of Soft Power.” Wichit answers.
“Question the information we receive, be savvy about media tactics, don’t fall prey to anyone’s agenda. And most importantly, use Soft Power constructively, for the betterment of society.”
“Absolutely.” Piriya agrees wholeheartedly.
“We need to be informed citizens, not manipulated victims.”
“And remember… Bitcoin is not some far-off concept anymore. We need to learn, stay informed, and be prepared because the future is in our hands.” Wichit concludes. “The future of money, the future of our country, the future of the world…”
The conversation ends… but the crucial question lingers.
Will Thailand keep up and be ready for the world’s seismic shift?
The answer… lies with each and every one of us…
…
This conversation between Wichit and Piriya is like a doorway to another dimension.
A dimension we’re familiar with, but never truly see clearly. A world teeming with games, power struggles, and manipulations happening all around us… often without us even realizing it.
They’re trying to show us the “Soft Power,” the formless force that lurks in every corner of our lives. From the news we consume, the economic systems we rely on, to the culture and values that shape our thoughts and actions.
They’re not trying to scare us, but to “wake us up,” make us aware, so we don’t become victims in this game.
The things they emphasize most is the “importance of education.” We need to understand Bitcoin, blockchain, and all these new technologies transforming our world. Not just “knowing” what they are, but “understanding” their mechanisms, their potential, their risks.
So we can decide how to use them, “for what,” and “how.”
Where does Thailand stand in this world where “Soft Power” is thriving?
Wichit and Piriya don’t offer a clear-cut answer. Instead, they “invite” us to “ask questions,” “think critically,” and find our own answers.
We… as “citizens” of this new world… must be aware, learn, and adapt wisely to the changes. “Soft Power” isn’t scary if we understand it and use it constructively.
We can turn “threats” into “opportunities.”
The lessons from this conversation aren’t just about “Soft Power” or “Bitcoin.” They’re about “awareness,” “questioning,” “critical thinking,” and “taking responsibility” for the future of ourselves, our society, and our nation.
It’s a wake-up call, revealing the “truth” of the world hidden beneath the “illusion” of “Soft Power.” And it reminds us of the true “power” that lies in our hands…
the power to “choose,” “decide,” and “create” the future we want…
Decoding Wichit’s Thoughts. “Soft Power” vs. “Hard Power” - The Game of Power in the Modern World
From the conversation, we see that Wichit views “power” beyond just weapons and military force. He defines it as the *”ability to influence, persuade, control, or direct the behavior, thoughts, and decisions of others”* without resorting to physical force or coercion.
Wichit sees a fascinating connection between Soft Power, Bitcoin, and national security in the digital age. Imagine a “power triangle” where each side influences and is intertwined with the others.
He divides “power” into two main forms..
First, there’s “Hard Power,” the traditional approach focused on using force, coercion, and direct control. It relies on tangible resources like military might, weapons, economic clout, or sanctions.
Think of examples like waging war, military occupation, controlling trade routes, or imposing economic sanctions.
Then there’s “Soft Power.” This new form of power emphasizes influence, persuasion, and attraction, making others “want” to follow without force or coercion.
Examples include using information to shape narratives and guide thinking, employing culture and entertainment to create values and trends that influence behavior, or using economic systems to incentivize desired actions.
Wichit believes that in today’s world, Soft Power is gaining more influence and impact than Hard Power.
Why?
Because beliefs, values, and information can spread and penetrate people’s minds easier and faster than brute force or coercion.
He compares modern warfare to “throwing percentages at each other in the air.” Meaning that the fight for dominance in this era is no longer about physical destruction like in the past. It’s a battle on an invisible battlefield, where the stakes are “information,” “beliefs,” and “influence.”
In Wichit’s view, Bitcoin can be both a “tool” and a “weapon” in the game of Soft Power.
And ultimately, “power,” in any form, has both light and dark sides. It depends on the user, whether they choose to use it for creation or destruction…
When “Influence” Becomes a “Chain” on Thai Society
Yes, Soft Power has a glamorous, alluring side, evident in movies, music, TV shows, food, fashion, and tourism, all of which contribute to Thailand’s income and image.
But there’s a dark side… one that slowly erodes our thoughts, values, and identity… without us even noticing.
Look around… Is our younger generation today more obsessed with Korean dramas, Western series, K-pop, and designer brands than Thai movies, music, fabrics, or cuisine?
Do they dream of living like idols, celebrities, rather than ordinary Thais?
This is the consequence of Soft Power, influencing us to want to “be” and “have” like others, forgetting our roots, our identity, and our own values.
The Government Uses Soft Power to Control the People Too!
Ever wonder… why people believe government pronouncements more than news from fellow citizens? Why we accept unfair policies without much resistance?
Is Soft Power in the hands of the government used to craft an image, hide the truth, distract, and control people’s thoughts?
I don’t know… We need to observe and find the answers.
Are Today’s Youth “Victims” or “Awakened”?
The younger generation, raised with the internet, social media, and global entertainment, is more susceptible to Soft Power’s influence. But… they also have the potential to be aware, to question, to analyze, and to break free from the chains of manipulation.
Don’t let influence become your prison…
Be “aware,” “question everything,” and “be yourself”
This is just a taste of what’s discussed in the full video. To truly savor the “flavor” of “Soft Power” and “Bitcoin,” you gotta watch the whole thing.
Watch more > Alt+Tab Season 2 EP4 : “พี่ชิต” ดร.วิชิต ซ้ายเกล้า
Trust me… you’ll be blown away by the depth and intensity of the conversation.
“One listen is not enough.”
Let me tell you… This video is “heavy,” “dense,” and “intense.” Even me had to rewind several times to let it all sink in.
But it’s “worth it,” I promise. You’ll “decode” the world today, understand the mechanics of “power” and “money” in a way no one’s ever explained before.
So why share it?
Because “truths” like these shouldn’t be hidden. “Knowledge” like this should be “spread” to “everyone.”
But… to be honest, this video is “deep,” “complex,” and “hard to grasp” for the average person. So we have to transform ourselves into “interpreters,” “translating” the “divine language” into “human language.” Explain it simply, clearly, and visually.
Remember… sharing is not just “talking,” it’s about communication that’s easy to understand, relatable, and resonates with the listener.
Because knowledge is precious… if it’s “shared.”
PS. Wichit’s ideas and concepts regarding Soft War are heavily influenced and inspired by the book “Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin” by Major Jason P. Lowery. (2023)
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