However, judging by the strong public reaction to the clip, which has spread like fire through the social media, we already have the cure.
The overwhelming response to the clip has been dismay – and even disgust – at the 28-year-old entertainer’s use of violence. Internet users are condemning the celebrity for taking justice into his own hands instead of acting like a responsible citizen by summoning the police.
The criticism grew further after the clip was broadcast on mainstream media, with even fellow celebrities slamming their colleague. Earlier this week GMM TV cancelled its contracts with the programme host with immediate effect, arguing that his actions ran contrary to its policy that celebrities must set a good example for youngsters.
The controversy has revealing lessons for Thai society.
Firstly, it has shown that the majority believes violence is unacceptable and deserves condemnation. It also demonstrates that those who resort to unnecessary and excessive violence risk facing legal action. Police have charged Acharanat with assault.
Meanwhile debate of the incident has introduced many people to the concept of anger management. That knowledge should prove useful to those who have problems controlling their mood. Poor management of emotions, particularly anger, can lead to crises in life and career, as the young entertainer has painfully learned.
The response to the clip also reveals a healthy grasp of right and wrong as well as the need to respect the law. Contrary to some opinions, ours still seems to be a civilised society of mainly law-abiding people.
Some might deny this, pointing to the widespread casual attitude displayed towards traffic rules and other laws. But signs are that Thais do have a strong social conscience, which gives us reason to hope for progress.
The road rage incident also contains a glaring lesson about the nature of celebrity. Entertainers who fall into the trap of believing that fame entitles them to disregard social norms will inevitably pay the penalty. Celebrities have once again been reminded of their important status as role models for the younger generation.
Debate of the incident seems to reflect a general and growing sense that resorting to force to achieve one’s ends is unacceptable. If that feeling spreads to the political sphere then we could see an end to the factional violence that has plagued us for the last decade. No more obstructing people from casting their votes, no more laying siege to state agencies, no more heavy weapons being used against political enemies, and no use of force by authorities against demonstrators.
If people were to really stop tolerating coercive violence, we should see no more cases of torture by officers of the law, the latest allegation of which came this week when a man was beaten to death during a police raid on a gambling den. The national police chief has called this a case of “unnecessary use of force”, according to a police spokesman.
The Army chief also has voiced his opposition to using violence to solve civilian problems. His words offer hope, however modest, that the military will desist from resorting to force in tackling political crises in future. If the country is to develop socially and economically, Thailand can little afford yet another coup.