I remember Red Skelton once joking, "You know, life is unfair. When there's a little baby all the women around are kootchie-kootchie-kooing the little thing, tickling its chin, running their fingers through its hair, kissing it. Then, when you get to be my age and really need it -- NOTHING!"

I think most Thais perceive me to be of a higher social class and thus will not dare touch my children. Those in the same or higher social class are too polite to do so without asking.

Perhaps you guys give off an "anything goes vibe".

See that cute baby with it's little fingers, So wonderful, you just want to go say hi and give it a squeeze. What you probably didn't see was that the kid had his/her fingers in her/his mouth, bum, nose. Good incentive for not getting close.

ok, but seriously, I never liked weird adults touching me. Do you like adults coming up and pinching your cheeks? Think about. Some giant making demented noises comes into your personal space. If I had been issued a taser, I would have been zapping some of those pesky adults with their bad breath invading my zone. Think back to when you were a kid and you will have the answer to this question.

I think most Thais perceive me to be of a higher social class and thus will not dare touch my children. Those in the same or higher social class are too polite to do so without asking.

Perhaps you guys give off an "anything goes vibe".

Ahh, the wonderful melting pot that is Thailand. So many interesting and varied people come here.

i don't think the people are all that different, just their understanding of local ways.