Influence Of Other Country's To Thailand

[TheJoker]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe? What do you as a person Thai of Foreigner notice about this in Thailand and do you bother or like it? Just curious...

[Jingthing]

Yes, I have noticed the flush toilets clearly from America because they are the American Standard brand name. Very annoying, the flush toilets! Where is the bucket?

[5tash]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe? What do you as a person Thai of Foreigner notice about this in Thailand and do you bother or like it? Just curious...

...and where do you think America found most of it's influence from?

[Moonrakers]

Was it India that bought Buddhism to Thailand? If so there is arguably the biggest historical influence.

European influence is easily seen, just take Tesco's for example and even the Premier League, even up-country many many farmers will know who Manchester United are, for example.

And the Chinese of course, they are prevalent in Thai society and business.

Also, how many Mercedes and BMW's do you see on the streets?

Edited November 20, 2008 by globalj

[Hawkup2000]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe? What do you as a person Thai of Foreigner notice about this in Thailand and do you bother or like it? Just curious...

...and where do you think America found most of it's influence from?

Depends on what country you refer to. I´ve heard that Costa Rica have some Spanish influences...

[TheJoker]

Yes, I have noticed the flush toilets clearly from America because they are the American Standard brand name. Very annoying, the flush toilets! Where is the bucket?

Is this from America? I didn't know.. Well some European countrys have the bucket, so each flush is the same amount of water. But some also have the system like here.... These flush toilets take long time to hold the lever to flush. While the bucket is just one push? Think of hygiene as well !

[Plus]

What do you mean there's no European influence? How can you NOT see it?

[TheJoker]

Yes there is some... but mostly it's American. 7/11 is American to.

[Plus]

7-11 is managed by a Thai agri-food giant, CP Group, there's nothing American left about it.

Globally, it has been sold to Japanese, afaik.

Sure they have KFC and McDonalds, but selling Thai flavours of their "iconic" food, like sticky rice burgers or something.

American restaurants, usually in cowboy/rodeo steakhouse style, are really at the bottom of the dining scene, absolutely no match to Italian or French reastaurants.

Sports, food, beer, whiskey, cars, watches, handbags, home electronics - it's difficult to find anything American at all.

[Jingthing]

Sports, food, beer, whiskey, cars, watches, handbags, home electronics - it's difficult to find anything American at all.

Tis true, we don't make much "stuff" anymore but we do export a lot of food, like grains and such. We specialize in high value services activity like IT and bullshitting.

Edited November 20, 2008 by Jingthing

[Naam]

Sports, food, beer, whiskey, cars, watches, handbags, home electronics - it's difficult to find anything American at all.

Tis true, we don't make much "stuff" anymore but we do export a lot of food, like grains and such. We specialize in high value services activity like IT and bullshitting.

you forgot grape nut cereal Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Sports, food, beer, whiskey, cars, watches, handbags, home electronics - it's difficult to find anything American at all.

Tis true, we don't make much "stuff" anymore but we do export a lot of food, like grains and such. We specialize in high value services activity like IT and bullshitting.

you forgot grape nut cereal Jingthing

I never forget Grape Nuts cereal. Post foods sends me a commission check every month for my work in stimulating their sales in SE Asia (I wish).

[Plus]

I just don't think Thais are as fixated on anything American as the OP suggests.

They can't care less, really. Japan, Korea, Germany, "Swiss" - they are just as solid international names as the US.

[Hawkup2000]

Wonder how many expats would bare to live in Thailand without outlandish influences and commodities. Let´s picture a Thailand without it; no cars or motorbikes just tuk tuk and buffaloes, no airplanes, no trains, no phones, no TV or internet, no medicals, no aircon not even a fridge in sight. As for boze, the only "pure" Thai stuff is Lao Khao and Yaa dong.

I´m not saying this to be negative but it is more to remind us how easy life have become for us. I often think about how Thailand were for expats 50 years ago or so.

[Groongthep]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe?

What planet do you live on? Thais have a Monarchy; hardly an American concept. Cars? Mostly Japanese and European. Clothing and hairstyles? Mostly Japanese and Korean. Tesco, Big-C and Carrefour are the major players in the Thai retail market. None of the big American retailers operate in Thailand. (As mentioned by Plus, 7-11 has not been an American company for a long time.) There are Irish and English pubs springing up all over Bangkok. Most all the American tavern-type bars have long since disappeared (or will soon). Thai music has no American influence at all as far as I can tell, but the European abomination known as Techno still blasts through loudspeakers in shopping malls and discos all over the city. Thais drive on the left side of the road. Government House was patterned after a European Mansion. There are still remnants of French architecture in old Bangkok (Ratanakosin and Yaowarat). The trains run on narrow gauge (European) track. Thais know next to nothing about American sports but adore the English Premier League. The Thai press routinely blasts not just American politics (which admittedly was deserved in recent years) but just about anything to do with America. Statistics show non American tourists far outnumbering American tourists. There is certainly no shortage of German style beer gartens, Italian restaurants, French and Swiss places, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Middle Eastern restaurants etc etc. I am glad that we have all these different kinds of places in Bangkok because I love the variety, but it all makes me question how you figure America has the most influence on Thailand as opposed to Europeans or other nationalities. Americans never forced Thailand to give up any of its territory like the Europeans (particularly the French and English) did or force unreasonable Treatys on them. (ever hear of the Bowring Treaty?) When I walk around Bangkok outside of the tourist areas I see and experience very little that reminds me of America. Granted there are far too many American fast food chain outlets here, but what influence do they really have on Thailand? Half the patrons in the places aren't even Thai.

[Jingthing]

Thai music has no American influence at all as far as I can tell

I find Thai pop VERY SIMILAR to American bubble gum pop music. I have read descriptions of it as Thai/American pop. I think there is quite a bit of American influence here, as an American I see it in sometimes subtle ways, not supremely dominant at all, but it exists. Mentioning European hypermarkets, weren't they influenced first in Europe by American supermarkets and hypermarkets?

Edited November 20, 2008 by Jingthing

[TheJoker]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe?

What planet do you live on? Thais have a Monarchy; hardly an American concept. Cars? Mostly Japanese and European. Clothing and hairstyles? Mostly Japanese and Korean. Tesco, Big-C and Carrefour are the major players in the Thai retail market. None of the big American retailers operate in Thailand. (As mentioned by Plus, 7-11 has not been an American company for a long time.) There are Irish and English pubs springing up all over Bangkok. Most all the American tavern-type bars have long since disappeared (or will soon). Thai music has no American influence at all as far as I can tell, but the European abomination known as Techno still blasts through loudspeakers in shopping malls and discos all over the city. Thais drive on the left side of the road. Government House was patterned after a European Mansion. There are still remnants of French architecture in old Bangkok (Ratanakosin and Yaowarat). The trains run on narrow gauge (European) track. Thais know next to nothing about American sports but adore the English Premier League. The Thai press routinely blasts not just American politics (which admittedly was deserved in recent years) but just about anything to do with America. Statistics show non American tourists far outnumbering American tourists. There is certainly no shortage of German style beer gartens, Italian restaurants, French and Swiss places, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Middle Eastern restaurants etc etc. I am glad that we have all these different kinds of places in Bangkok because I love the variety, but it all makes me question how you figure America has the most influence on Thailand as opposed to Europeans or other nationalities. Americans never forced Thailand to give up any of its territory like the Europeans (particularly the French and English) did or force unreasonable Treatys on them. (ever hear of the Bowring Treaty?) When I walk around Bangkok outside of the tourist areas I see and experience very little that reminds me of America. Granted there are far too many American fast food chain outlets here, but what influence do they really have on Thailand? Half the patrons in the places aren't even Thai.

I've seen alot of the world, not only Thailand. But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far. Also on the Television, and I'm not blind. . I do not mean this in the absense of material but in the way off. Maybe you should watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w9EksAo5hY

We are all livin in America..

[Hawkup2000]

I've seen alot of the world, not only Thailand. But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far. Also on the Television, and I'm not blind. . I do not mean this in the absense of material but in the way off. Maybe you should watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w9EksAo5hY

We are all livin in America..

The greatest song since the Sehnsucht album. But links are not allowed. Secondly maybe some Americans may take offense.

[Thaddeus]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe?

What planet do you live on? Thais have a Monarchy; hardly an American concept. Cars? Mostly Japanese and European. Clothing and hairstyles? Mostly Japanese and Korean. Tesco, Big-C and Carrefour are the major players in the Thai retail market. None of the big American retailers operate in Thailand. (As mentioned by Plus, 7-11 has not been an American company for a long time.) There are Irish and English pubs springing up all over Bangkok. Most all the American tavern-type bars have long since disappeared (or will soon). Thai music has no American influence at all as far as I can tell, but the European abomination known as Techno still blasts through loudspeakers in shopping malls and discos all over the city. Thais drive on the left side of the road. Government House was patterned after a European Mansion. There are still remnants of French architecture in old Bangkok (Ratanakosin and Yaowarat). The trains run on narrow gauge (European) track. Thais know next to nothing about American sports but adore the English Premier League. The Thai press routinely blasts not just American politics (which admittedly was deserved in recent years) but just about anything to do with America. Statistics show non American tourists far outnumbering American tourists. There is certainly no shortage of German style beer gartens, Italian restaurants, French and Swiss places, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Middle Eastern restaurants etc etc. I am glad that we have all these different kinds of places in Bangkok because I love the variety, but it all makes me question how you figure America has the most influence on Thailand as opposed to Europeans or other nationalities. Americans never forced Thailand to give up any of its territory like the Europeans (particularly the French and English) did or force unreasonable Treatys on them. (ever hear of the Bowring Treaty?) When I walk around Bangkok outside of the tourist areas I see and experience very little that reminds me of America. Granted there are far too many American fast food chain outlets here, but what influence do they really have on Thailand? Half the patrons in the places aren't even Thai.

I've seen alot of the world, not only Thailand. But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far.

Did you actually read any of the post you quoted?

[Moonrakers]

I've seen alot of the world, not only Thailand. But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far. Also on the Television, and I'm not blind. . I do not mean this in the absense of material but in the way off. Maybe you should watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w9EksAo5hY

We are all livin in America..

I have just stepped outside to use the bathroom, and had a look around me as well.

I Noted European and Japanese cars and bikes, 2 7/11's, a stall selling Nokia's, a sign for an Italian restaurant amongst other things.

The only American related thing that I noticed was "American standard" on the urinal that I used.

So in summary, get out of the bathroom mate, there's a big world outside.

[cptkurtz123]

Judging from a few other threads, many farang here have a strong sense of entitlement living in Thailand. They are not satisfied with the level of respect given to them by Thais and claim that you can never be Thai. But the question is, why should Thais be bending over backwards to accommodate farang? I suspect that many farang simple view Thais as being inferior to them and get mad when the Thais do not oblige them, or when Thais drive a nicer car, or do anything unpeasantly.

"Why can't the Thais realize that they should do everything the way it is done in my country?"

"Why do they say "This is Thailand"?

"Why do they think they have the right to have their own culture? I am here now."

[Stephen Cleary]

As I found out America has the most influence on this country so far... Almost everything. ( Why ? ) I don't seem to notice almost nothing from Europe? What do you as a person Thai of Foreigner notice about this in Thailand and do you bother or like it? Just curious...

Europe has had far more influence on Thailand than The US has ever had, but you may have to get out a history book to realize it. King Rama V and FM Phibulsongkram are two of the major importers of European culture and especially British.

Thailand's Justice / Police System - originally imported from Britain

Thailand drives on the left - from Britain

Thailand's Trains - originally from Britain

Thailand's Scouts - originated from Britain

Thailand's first government education system - from Britain imported by Prince Rajanuphap

Thais sitting on chairs - imported idea by King Rama V

Thai women not bearing their chests in public - imported idea by first wife of King Rama

Thai women wearing bras - Advised by Lai-iad, wife of FM Phibulsongkram

Thais standing up in the cinema to the royal anthem - actually from Britain!

Thais wearing Western-style clothes - advised by King Rama V and made culturally correct by FM Phibulsongkram

Thais using spoon and fork to eat and not hands - advised by King Rama V

Thai Royal Anthem - composed by a Russian

Thai National Anthem - composed by a German

Thailand's Father of Modern Art, Silpa Bhirasi - was an Italian

Thailand's overthrow of absolute monarchy, 1932 - FM Phibulsongkram and Pridi etc - made their plans while in France

Standing for the national anthem - imported idea and made mandatory by FM Phibulsongkram

Even though the present king was born in The States, the past and present monarchy have been far closer to Europe than the USA. King Rama VIII was born in Germany and he and his brother Rama IX were brought up in Switzerland. The present king and his brother could hardly speak Thai when they first came to Thailand. Their mother, spent most of her life in Switzerland. The king's sister who just passed away, she was born in Britain and (contrary to popular hype) spent most of her life between Britain, France and Switzerland. When King Rama VII exiled he left for Britain. There's no denying that the monarchy's influence has been huge in Thailand and where did the majority bring that influence from - Europe. It's been hi-so/noble custom over the past century to send children abroad and especially Europe. America has only recently grew in popularity.

That list is only an example, European influence upon Thailand and modern Thai culture has been huge. Some of you guys maybe comparing what Thailand drinks to imported US culture like Coke. But European influence has affected everything from the monarchy, political systems, education system to even the way Thais behave.

One of FM Phibulsongkram's Thai Culture Poster below from the late 1930s, advising locals to dress more like Europeans (right)

Edited November 20, 2008 by Stephen Cleary

[Jingthing]

I think some of you are taking the American influence thing a little too literally. 7-11, who cares who owns the Thai 7-11, it started in America. America to the world is more than about brand names and specific ownership, it is about some ideas and illusions about what America represents. For example, Coca Cola is more than a big company from Atlanta. It is an idea of caffeinated bubby sugar water worth almost nothing and transformed into an international "lifestyle" statement and a staggering fortune, a taste of sweet fake freedom that rots your teeth and ruins your health When people talk about globalization, they often mostly mean Americanization. No, I am not saying America Uber Alles, I mean do not be so literal! There is plenty of American influence in Thailand. TONS more than Russian, anyway!

Edited November 20, 2008 by Jingthing

[Moonrakers]

Judging from a few other threads, many farang here have a strong sense of entitlement living in Thailand. They are not satisfied with the level of respect given to them by Thais and claim that you can never be Thai. But the question is, why should Thais be bending over backwards to accommodate farang? I suspect that many farang simple view Thais as being inferior to them and get mad when the Thais do not oblige them, or when Thais drive a nicer car, or do anything unpeasantly.

"Why can't the Thais realize that they should do everything the way it is done in my country?"

"Why do they say "This is Thailand"?

"Why do they think they have the right to have their own culture? I am here now."

Why have you copied this from your closed thread and then pasted it another quite unrelated thread.

Edited November 20, 2008 by globalj

[TheJoker]

I think some of you are taking the American influence thing a little too literally. 7-11, who cares who owns the Thai 7-11, it started in America. America to the world is more than about brand names and specific ownership, it is about some ideas and illusions about what America represents. For example, Coca Cola is more than a big company from Atlanta. It is an idea of caffeinated bubby sugar water worth almost nothing and transformed into an international "lifestyle" statement and a staggering fortune, a taste of sweet fake freedom that rots your teeth and ruins your health When people talk about globalization, they often mostly mean Americanization. No, I am not saying America Uber Alles, I mean do not be so literal! There is plenty of American influence in Thailand. TONS more than Russian, anyway!

Yes I think so to what you pointed in black. Anyhow it interesting to know how different people have different views...

And yes, I do come out of the bathroom, actually i've seen everything from Thailand from Pai to Pattani.

Edited November 20, 2008 by TheJoker

[tw25rw]

Do American toilets fill right up with water a form a big whirlpool when you flush them??

Not surprising that there are American influences there considering the scale of their presence during the Vietnam war. Fortunately it didn't go as far as driving on the right!

[LomSak27]

But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far. Also on the Television, and I'm not blind. .

Certainly the US does have an influence, but far bigger in your mind than reality. What don't you get a little more specific, more than the american standard toliets and 7/11 blather (or MTV)... oh by the way, American Standard sold fantastic squat toilets in the Thai market for decades. You would think some long timers here might pick up on whats between their legs

[Groongthep]

I've seen alot of the world, not only Thailand. But I'm sure America has more influence here then Europe for so far. Also on the Television, and I'm not blind. . I do not mean this in the absense of material but in the way off. Maybe you should watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w9EksAo5hY

We are all livin in America..

The greatest song since the Sehnsucht album. But links are not allowed. Secondly maybe some Americans may take offense.

So you quote a European teenage music video to illustrate how Americans have more influence in Thailand than other nationalities. Brilliant logic.

[PeaceBlondie]

Originally, English language taught in Thailand had more of a British emphasis. Lift, car park, many more examples. Now, TEFLers say their students mostly prefer to learn American English. Does not matter.

[Plus]

I see the point that 7-11 was originally from the US, or Coke and Pepsi. There were the inventors, granted.

However, how much "americanism" is left in this concepts? When was the last time Pepsi picked up American athletes for its advertising campaign? They've been cashing Euro football stars since forever.

In the same way you can argue that chillies is an American food. Yeah, right, if you want to see it that way - they came from America.

Most of the global brands and concepts have been effectively nationalised. The days when the US could influence the world through its businesses, brands, and culture are gone for good. There's no American influence in "American Standard" toilets.

So, if you say there are plenty of originally American inventions here - that's quite correct. If you say they exert some sort of American influence - not quite.