They are super generous and helpful. When I moved here, the
Thai people I met helped me set my phone plan, get me an apartment and even a
scooter for myself. If I didn't know how to get somewhere, they would escort me
on trips that lasted three hours sometimes. Whatever I asked, they always tried
to help me.
They are very kind to foreigners. I lived in several
countries that did not like foreigners. Their taxi drivers deliberately left me
in the wrong place, walked away if I tried to talk to them, laughed at me if
they spoke their language, and so on. Here, they always try to help me, even if
they don't talk. English and I cannot speak Thai. Van and taxi drivers always
took me to the right place, even though I barely knew where I was going. And when
I speak their language, they are always encouraging and tell me that I speak so
well, even if it's just a sentence.
They are super weight conscious. I don't consider myself
fat, but I've been called fat many times by the Thai people. Masseurs, random women,
even my teachers spoke ill of my weight. I know many Thai girls who skip dinner
because they are afraid of gaining weight. The random Thai ladies mocked me in
public for my size. (This is how I look, for reference)
Also, as soon as I lose some weight, Thai women realize. The
women in the stores I've never talked to in my life tell me I'm thinner. It's a
little scary to know that everyone is judging your size whenever they look at
you.
They love taking pictures. Wherever I go, in all Thai
restaurants, girls and boys are having a photo shoot. Most of my Thai friends
on Facebook post selfies at least every two days.
Everyone seems frustrated with government and corruption.
Every Thai person I met talked about their limitations because of the
government. Old people are said to hold all power and abuse it. They want a
better life and future, but feel hopeless about achieving it.
They are small! I'm 5'11 ″ and I feel like a giant
everywhere I go. I rarely know a girl over five feet tall. 5'11 ″ was tall in
the United States, but generally most men were taller than me. This is not so.
(A good comparison of the overall size difference everywhere I go)
Social hierarchy is very important. No one argues with the
elders. No one gets out of line. Thai students do not like to ask teachers
questions. They receive criticism and do not argue.
Children do what their parents say until they are 20 or 30
years old. Especially the girls, I met a couple who hate the job, but they do
it because their dad tells them to, even if they are already married and moved!
All Thai people say this because I'm 23, I'm still a child and shouldn't be so
far from my parents in Thailand. They ask how my parents in America let me move
here. I tell them that I'm an adult and I didn't ask them permission to move
here.
They think all Westerners are rich. This leads to two
things. First, they are always trying to charge much higher prices. Second,
girls want to marry white men or trick men into giving them money.
Super relaxed and stress free. I usually like this mindset,
but it's usually very unproductive. Everyone arrives late for everything. They
often cancel meetings without notice. I get very frustrated that we never do
any work.
Strangely progressive, but conservative at the same time.
Lady boys are very accepted in society. Gays and lesbians are seen as very
normal. However, wearing a blouse or showing off any cleavage is seen as
obscene. A young woman is expected to do what her parents say. Children cannot
question adults.
Sometimes a bit racist. This seems to be mainly with the
older generation, the younger generation is changing. Everyone wants white
skin, if a Thai man is darker, they call him "black". A guy I met
told me he was dating a Thai girl for 9 years, but when her parents saw him,
they didn't even meet him because of his skin color, and she was forced to break
up with him. He regretted that they didn't even talk to him first.
Personally, I think the Thais are very cute. They are always
smiling and seem to be in a good mood. They are very funny, although they
usually do not understand sarcasm. They are friendly and happy people.
As for the country, it's beautiful. It's very hot, but it
has a rich culture and amazing history. There is an infinite number of things
to see. Beautiful beaches, museums, modern cities, temples and historical
monuments.
I love Thailand and its people very much.
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