Comments on: “You Just Don’t Understand Thailand.”

By: Greg

Greg — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 10:17:39 +0000

In reply to Frodo Douchebaggins. Well put. I will take the official state-sanctioned response: you don't understand Thailand. :P

By: Frodo Douchebaggins

Frodo Douchebaggins — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 10:03:53 +0000

One of the great paradoxes of Thailand for expats is, that never having been colonized, the country has largely maintained the deep, rich, compelling culture that so fascinates but has also left it maddeningly closed off to political, social, and economic ideas from the rest of the world. Unfortunately, it seems that Thai exceptionalism is becoming the officially entrenched, even the officially sanctioned, worldview at a time when the demands of the global economy require precisely the opposite and when information technology makes it necessarily a losing battle. But never mind: just enjoy the Tour De France as it trundles through Kanchanaburi and celebrate Siriraj Hospital’s single-handed triump over Ebola, and everything will be alright.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:47:06 +0000

Absolutely spot on post (and yes, I'm one of those farangs who bitch - albeit kindly I hope :)) I even have extremely well-educated quite hi-so Thai friends who still give me the "You just don't understand Thailand" line, which coming from someone who, I believe, is well-educated enough to know better is very frustrating.

Thailand unfortunately changes slowly in many ways and, in today's fast-paced world, it's to its detriment as other south east Asian countries leave it behind.

I still love Thailand though, even though some days I'm happy I don't own a gun :)

By: Dom

Dom — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:29:52 +0000

You totally nailed it! I suspect that expats in places like Burkina Faso don't share the same degree of concern about where they live, adopted home or otherwise..

By: Conan Stevens

Conan Stevens — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:01:51 +0000

What is worse is when those same words come out of the mouth of some idiot tourist who has been here two weeks.

By: Andrewp

Andrewp — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:05:03 +0000

Jai yen yen!

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:17:31 +0000

Thanks everyone. I may have misrepresented myself as something of a Zen superstar when it comes to complaining, which is definitely not the case, let me tell you. Sometimes I'm as big a douche as anyone, BUT! it all comes from a desire to see things work smoothly and efficiently.
Anyway, IC, funny you mention the pollution of the blogosphere - before I came to Thailand reading about it online really depressed me; it seemed that every single expat here was a sleazy and/or gullible drunk. Glad to see that's not the case... for the most part.
dbkk, true dat. It's like my boss says: "I don't mind you disagreeing with me, just have a good reason as to why and I'll probably see things your way."
Lach: I feel your pain. :)

By: dbkk101

dbkk101 — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:36:40 +0000

Anyone making a statement "you don't understand Thailand" better be prepared to eloquently and at length explain what was misunderstood, and provide insight leading to improved understanding. If they can't do that, they obviously don't understand it either. Unfortunately, this excludes most Thais, as they're not fond of critical discussions.

Well-informed outsiders can often understand a place better than those swimming in the pond who have too many emotional attachments and little opportunity to take an objective view.

By: IC

IC — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:18:51 +0000

Point well taken, Greg. I appreciate the respectful and sincere tone of this post. It's when expats express themselves this way that they have any chances of being taken seriously. It's the asinine, snarky comments from some stupid (certainly not you) ones that make even the most westernized and open-minded Thais shake their heads in disgust. What I hate the most is when expats cry xenophobia every time they feel they're not heard or appreciated. Well, sometimes -- many times actually -- it has nothing to do with their race and everything to do with their ignorance and haughty attitude. The more they cry xenophobia, the more likely it's going to prove to be self-fulfilling.

Sadly, you're in the minority. I'd encourage you to keep on complaining in this way so that the complaints might someday lead to positive changes. If you could also educate your fellow expats who aren't as enlightened as you, I'd be grateful. The blogosphere and Twitterverse are so full of legitimate, yet stupidly and haughtily expressed, comments from expats that makes me to want to throw the baby the hell out with the bath water.

More thoughtful expats like Greg, please.

By: Cody McKibben

Cody McKibben — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:05:14 +0000

Amen brother! Well said. I'm experiencing a special kind of frustration stuck here in Hat Yai, trying to get to Penang for a visa run amidst a tropical storm & flooding. I understand things are at a standstill, but things like friendliness, helpful service, or even just communicating WTF's going on the expats at all would be nice :)