Thai Pride.

[Surasak]

3 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

I think it is almost entirely down to never being colonized when their neighbouring countries were under either French or British rule. It was actually convenient for the colonial powers to have Thailand as a bulwark separating their colonies in east Asia. Thais, however, are taught that it was due to the colonialists fearing Thai bravery and military expertise. The downside today is that few Thais have the language skills to communicate in international forums.

"The downside today is that few Thais have the language skills to communicate in international forums."...And where to lay the blame for that? Squarely at the feet of successive governments since education became compulsory some 20/30 or so years ago. 

[tmd5855]

21 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

There's only one place in the world that I have seen people drive worse than the thais and that was in Kinshasa, Congo

 

regards,

Bob.

Sierra Leone after the fighting in 2012 armed guards in the minibuses to stop the minibus being stolen and us kidnapped.  "Location allowance" (Danger money) added to wages 25%

[trainman34014]

22 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

....Ever been to Japan? And why is it that Thailand is still stuck in the middle income trap?

 

Could it be that the workforce here are just bone idle??

 

regards,

Bob.

Stuck in the Middle Ages more like.   I've been here 20 years and have seen Zero progress in most area's that matter !

[NoshowJones]

23 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

Some Thai's are the laziest workers I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with.

 

It's all about sabai sabai and mai pen ri..

 

That kind of attitude is a net negative on productivity when extrapolated annually.

 

regards,

Bob.

Any workman who has come to do any work on my house, electricians, plumbers, handymen of any sort etc, etc in the 20 years I have lived here, have all done good jobs and never overcharge for any work. I certainly can't complain.

[NoshowJones]

23 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

They seem to be really proud of the way they drive.

The Thai road behaviour is the one big No! No! If it wasn't for that, there would be very little to complain about.

[NoshowJones]

19 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I can't think of too many countries that play the national anthem every day at 8 am and 6 pm.

 

I can't think of too many countries that venerate their old people like Thais do.

 

I can't think of too many countries as socially cohesive as the Thais.

 

I can't think of too many countries where a hospital visit costs 30 baht.

 

I can't think of too many countries with the same percentage of beautiful women who age well.

 

IMO the Thais have plenty of things to be proud of.

"I can't think of too many countries where a hospital visit costs 30 Baht"

In the UK it doesn't cost anything.

[Lacessit]

46 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

"I can't think of too many countries where a hospital visit costs 30 Baht"

In the UK it doesn't cost anything.

How long do you have to wait to be seen?

[SW Happy]

On 2/20/2025 at 1:45 PM, Robert_Smith said:

What exactly is it that Thai people are so proud about?

 

I hear this all the time, that Thai's are incredibly proud people, but beyond never being colonized by a western power (which was actually orchestrated by the west), I struggle to see what they are so proud of..

 

Is it the pollution? The lack of real democracy? The constant flip-flopping between 'civilian governments' and military dictatorships? The traffic? The inadequate infrastructure? The corruption? The prostitution? The constant low rankings in English proficiency? The dreadful national education system? The inconsistent application of the rule of law? The lack of free speech? The low salaries and long working hours?

 

I mean, what is it exactly, apart from never being colonized by the west, that Thai people so proud about?

 

regards,

Bob.

All of the above.

[proton]

On 2/20/2025 at 1:54 PM, CharlieH said:

Yeah, Thailand has its problems—like any country—but there’s plenty to be proud of beyond just never being colonized.

 

For one, Thai culture is rich and unique. The language, traditions, and festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong are unlike anywhere else. Buddhism plays a huge role in daily life, and you’ll see it in everything from temples to the way people interact.

 

Then there’s the food—Thai cuisine is world-famous, and for good reason. You can find Thai restaurants in almost every country, and street food here is on another level.

Tourism is another big one. Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, and people come for the beaches, islands, mountains, and history. Not to mention, Muay Thai is globally recognized, and Thai athletes are making waves in sports.

 

A lot of Thais also have deep respect for the monarchy, especially past kings like Rama IX, who introduced projects that improved farming, infrastructure, and education.

And despite political instability, Thailand has built one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia. People are hardworking, resilient, and generally keep a positive attitude even through tough times.

 

No country is perfect, but being proud of your home isn’t about ignoring the flaws—it’s about appreciating what makes it special.

 

 

You forgot to mention the rich heritage and endless enjoyment of Thai music, going to 11th concert this month tomorrow , Takketan at Pratunam:

 

 

 

[Robert_Smith]

2 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Stuck in the Middle Ages more like.   I've been here 20 years and have seen Zero progress in most area's that matter !

Totally agree.

 

They spend more time eating/nattering than they do working!

 

regards,

Bob.

[NoshowJones]

3 hours ago, Lacessit said:

How long do you have to wait to be seen?

It still doesn't cost anything.

[Lacessit]

8 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

It still doesn't cost anything.

That was not my question.

 

I was in a hospital bed in Chiang Rai within 90 minutes after being admitted to the ED, with what was diagnosed as bacterial pneumonia.

 

In Australia, the same process would have taken 5-6 hours.

[NoshowJones]

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

That was not my question.

 

I was in a hospital bed in Chiang Rai within 90 minutes after being admitted to the ED, with what was diagnosed as bacterial pneumonia.

 

In Australia, the same process would have taken 5-6 hours.

If that was a private I bet that would have cost you a fortune. Out of curiosity, was it a private hospital?

[blaze master]

On 2/20/2025 at 5:52 AM, Lacessit said:

 

I can't think of too many countries that venerate their old people like Thais do.

 

Remind me how much pension thai get in old age ? 

[sikishrory]

Heard answer many times.

"I'm Thai"

🤔

 

[save the frogs]

Why are foreigners in Thailand so proud?

I hear this often, that foreigners in Thailand exude a sense of pride, but beyond the allure of the tropical weather and the affordability, it's hard to pinpoint what they are truly so proud of.

Is it the convenience of inexpensive food and living? The endless array of beaches, mountains, and vibrant nightlife? The freedom of enjoying a different pace of life without the pressure of their home countries? Is it the ever-popular street food scene or the warmth of Thai hospitality? Perhaps it's the strong sense of community they feel among fellow expats? The relatively low-cost healthcare? Or the ability to live in a country that seems to hold so much charm yet so few rules?

I mean, apart from the natural beauty and the slower lifestyle, what exactly are foreigners so proud of in Thailand?

 

[Robert_Smith]

1 hour ago, save the frogs said:

mean, apart from the natural beauty and the slower lifestyle, what exactly are foreigners so proud of in Thailand?

Nothing.

 

Even the slower lifestyle grinds my gears.

 

regards,

Bob.

[BangkokReady]

On 2/20/2025 at 1:54 PM, CharlieH said:

For one, Thai culture is rich and unique. The language, traditions, and festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong are unlike anywhere else. Buddhism plays a huge role in daily life, and you’ll see it in everything from temples to the way people interact.

 

This is fairly common in most Buddhist countries.

[BangkokReady]

I think it's probably based around tourism.  People like Thailand and it makes Thai people a lot of money.  If they had a similar economy to Laos, they might not be so proud.

 

You can't really fault them for that.

[marin]

5 hours ago, blaze master said:

Remind me how much pension thai get in old age ? 

Luckily most elderly Thai's dont worry about this as their kids will take care of them. Common practice through all levels of Thai society. Very much unlike the west. 

[blaze master]

54 minutes ago, marin said:

Luckily most elderly Thai's dont worry about this as their kids will take care of them. Common practice through all levels of Thai society. Very much unlike the west. 

 

Yes I realize that. And it's noble. Not the point though.

 

If it's any consolation I just took my moms socks off in between comments. She's too old to do much anymore. 

[ikke1959]

The Thai Pride is brainwashed in schools... Thailand is proud that they were never colonized.. but that also has the effect that they are not used to handle foreigners, other cultures, and other ideas.. They are used to protect their own culture at all cost. Simple examples are that nowadays still there are Thai movies played at temples, with almost nobody there to watch.. same for the puppet plays, And they don't care they just perform even if nobody there. And how about the every day messages on the speakers? Everybody has a mobile, and TV, and what purpose has it? What purpose is it to let cars drive around screaming messages about activities ?? all outdated..And English is not important for Thai.. even Prayuth once said that Thai will be a world language.. Nobody learns anything about history nor from their own country neither from abroad... Everything is only Thailand is the best, And when foreigners come they are being seen as a threat as they are trying to destroy the Thai culture with their ideas. This narrow thinking makes Thais proud as they show they can deal and take care of their own country. But it is the 21st century and by the conservative and protected  attitude they will stay behind of the rest of the world.