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今回の「文化警察24時」の舞台はタイ。大らかな国民性で知られる「微笑みの国」タイですが、この国にはいくつかタブーとされていることがあります。中でも、王室と国王に対する敬愛の念が強いお国柄から、王室の批判をすることは冗談でも許されません。特に海外では「郷に入りては郷に従え」の精神が必要ですね。

「文化警察24時」は、少し英語が苦手！という皆さんを対象にした、長さもレベルも聞きやすい番組です。しっかり聞いて、しっかり声に出して練習してみましょう。Culture Cops (20): In Thailand

Trev explains to a girl visiting Thailand that criticizing the royal family can result in anywhere from 3-15 years in prison.

W: Haha, screw the king! He can't do anything to me; I don't even live in this country!

Trev: Excuse me, miss, but the police could actually lock you away for 3-15 years for speaking ill of anyone in the royal family.

W: Officer, I was just joking around with my friend over there. I didn't really mean any of that.

Trev: Joking or not, you really shouldn't say such things. Being punished for something like that really isn't too rare in Thailand. So, please keep your opinions like that to yourself.

W: I get it: their country, their rules. I'll just mind my own business. Thanks for the warning officer.

Trev: Oh, this isn't a warning; you're under arrest!

W: Really??

Trev: (pause) No. But you should've seen the look on your face. Ha ha!

(Written by Matteen Aminpour)