Why Do Thais Always Do This ?

[Greer]

...may be off topic, but I am not sure that Ned is really Australian...where are you from mate?

yeehi are you sure you want to go around in shorts and sandals...not a good look anywhere in Asia if you are not Asian...in fact...not even if you ARE Asian...unless you are at a beach...

Keep smiling...especially if you dress like that...!

[yeehi]

How many days is it ok to wear a T-shirt here?

I guess everybody is going to say 1.

But maybe people are going to say 0.5 or something else...

If *somebody* sleeps in their T-shirt is it OK to wear it the next day

[yeehi]

Greer, I usually wear long trousers, as i heard that shorts were not ok in asia.

Maybe if i approach from upwind, but no, I am sure that the smell is not the thing.

[Jockstar]

...may be off topic, but I am not sure that Ned is really Australian...where are you from mate?

yeehi are you sure you want to go around in shorts and sandals...not a good look anywhere in Asia if you are not Asian...in fact...not even if you ARE Asian...unless you are at a beach...

Keep smiling...especially if you dress like that...!

Eh? Maybe he should be wear a big dufflecoat or jacket. This is a hot country. Why cant he wear shorts, sandals and T-shirt? Even if hes not by the beach? I can never understand people who say you cant wear sandals and shorts in a city?

[mcfester]

How many days is it ok to wear a T-shirt here?

I guess everybody is going to say 1.

But maybe people are going to say 0.5 or something else...

If *somebody* sleeps in their T-shirt  is it OK to wear it the next day

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How many days do you normally wear a t-shirt and do you shower in between changes?

Can you post a pic of yourself so we can end this thread?

[mcfester]

maybe its just panic on their side that they have to

a) listen to english

understand it

c) come up with some reply and then

d) use the two words of english that they actually know between them

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But the guy hasn't even opened his mouth yet...when I approach Thais they say 'hello' or something polite in either Thai or Isaan and normally offer me food or a beer, not roll around laughing that much that this guy is getting irrate about it.

Saying all this...its just another troll...given a better laugh than yesterdays albeit.

[Pattaya_Fox]

The skinhead look doesn't go over very well here, it's true.  Makes you look threatening, some might feel.  I bet you'll get better vibes if you grow your hair out a bit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Monks seem to do OK....

[nokmdk]

I have never had a problem like this. Most times i am dressed in a collar type shirt and dress pants When i do have a day off, i wear my jeans (some times with holes) and still never get the reaction he does. I am always smiling so this might disarm them right away as you have all stated.

[Thaiboxer]

I agree that facial expressions are a big thing here...much more so than in the West. Thais can read body language very well and if some foreigner gets this type of reaction without having initiated anything, then he/she needs to evaluate their look. I don't think Thais (or other Asians here) have a problem seeing us in shorts and tee shirts provided they are worn where it's acceptable. It is a hot country and for those foreigners who come from cold places it would be torture to be walking the streets in pants and a collared shirt all the time. Smiling is important but equally important is acknowledging those who greet you in some way. If a smile and/or a hello comes your way, always reply back with a smile and hello or sawaddee of your own. Often, a simple smile and head nod towards somebody will keep the atmosphere cool. This works well when a Thai or group of Thais are watching you out of curiosity which is very common in the provinces. If you say something in Thai, it really gets their attention but beware...they may begin talking to you as if you can speak like a native!

[aletta]

Give them a big smile,never fails to get a big smile reponse.

[batman4you]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

Why is it that whenever I approach a thai / group of thais, they look at me like i am an idiot?

Now, some of you will straight away be thinking, ah, he must be *doing* something stupid. I don't think so. Unless actually approaching them is stupid. And remember, This is before i even open my mouth.

I so often see this expression on them that it has started to irritate me. In fact it makes me feel confrontational. I keep cool when it happens. I want to look them in the eyes as an equal, but in these situations i feel like it would be an affront to them (because they obviously have such low regard for me that they would not like such a low life considering themselves and equal.)

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is this you?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

no thats his better looking brother..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, that's me?!?

Where did you get this?!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

Why is it that whenever I approach a thai / group of thais, they look at me like i am an idiot?

Now, some of you will straight away be thinking, ah, he must be *doing* something stupid. I don't think so. Unless actually approaching them is stupid. And remember, This is before i even open my mouth.

I so often see this expression on them that it has started to irritate me. In fact it makes me feel confrontational. I keep cool when it happens. I want to look them in the eyes as an equal, but in these situations i feel like it would be an affront to them (because they obviously have such low regard for me that they would not like such a low life considering themselves and equal.)

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is this you?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

no thats his better looking brother..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, that's me?!?

Where did you get this?!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is posted on toilet walls throughout the world. Hasn't anyone pointed it out to you ?

[booma]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

Why is it that whenever I approach a thai / group of thais, they look at me like i am an idiot?

Now, some of you will straight away be thinking, ah, he must be *doing* something stupid. I don't think so. Unless actually approaching them is stupid. And remember, This is before i even open my mouth.

I so often see this expression on them that it has started to irritate me. In fact it makes me feel confrontational. I keep cool when it happens. I want to look them in the eyes as an equal, but in these situations i feel like it would be an affront to them (because they obviously have such low regard for me that they would not like such a low life considering themselves and equal.)

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is this you?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

no thats his better looking brother..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, that's me?!?

Where did you get this?!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is posted on toilet walls throughout the world. Hasn't anyone pointed it out to you ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

?

[TAdam]

I have to go along with the pro-smiling faction here. Every Thai I've ever approached has always responded well when I've done so. I also stoop slightly at times and become almost deferential, maybe unconsciously compensating for the fact that I'm a bearded farang who stands 183cm tall and would just as soon not be seen as trying to be domineering. (Easy enough -- I'm a pussy-cat at heart.) As to attire, never a problem for me. My skinny, white, hairy legs are such a horrific sight that Amnesty International has declared the sight of me in shorts to be a crime against humanity; I never wear them.

[tutsiwarrior]

don't go out...stay at home and watch the telly with plenty of Sang Som...and go nud_e today...

[Gary A]

I have given this some thought and find that since my last girlfriend left I don't have that problem. My uniform of the day is a "T" shirt, shorts and sandals. My last girlfriend had a look that she could have had patented. It very plainly asked the question, "How stupid are you?" I am pleased to say that baht bus drivers frequently got that look also when they tried to overcharge her.

[sonnyjc7]

I have had that experience. Seems that it is mostly you are more aware then others of what is going on around you. Some of these jokers on this site seem to think the sun rises and sets on their arse so they don't really notice the other person's reaction. They never mean to do it, the Thai's, I mean, just they resent a lot of us because of the attitude of many of us over here. Just smile and never lose your insight into what others think, keep you out of more trouble anywhere over here then an attitude that money buys everything.

Edited March 15, 2005 by sonnyjc7

[Jai Dee]

don't go out...stay at home and watch the telly with plenty of Sang Som...and go nud_e today...

Are you a naturist tutsi?

I seem to recall a number of your posts recommending going nud_e...

[Chang Noi]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

Edited March 15, 2005 by Chang Noi

[tutsiwarrior]

naturist?...nah, just something I saw scrawled on a sidewalk in Berkeley in 1970. Good advice as one will find regarding gonad ventilation and instantaneous sex...

[Jai Dee]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member.

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll.

[PeaceBlondie]

yeehi, did you also say that you're big and tall? I knew this guy back home who was 6 foot 3, as assertive as he could be, weighed about 300 pounds, and couldn't figure out why the women were afraid of him!

If you're a casually dressed skinhead and the size of a refrigerator, not smiling, I'm surprised the Thais don't run for cover.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member.

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whoever he/she/it might be I doubt that eligibility for a retirement plan is likely.

[meadish_sweetball]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

If you constantly get stares like that then I suggest you do need to adjust.

I dont get that reaction personally, but I do notice insecure expressions when I first approach a Thai who doesnt know me and who doesnt work in the tourist industry.

I know from my conversations with Thai people that they often feel nervous when a farang approaches them. There are a number of reasons:

1. Having to speak English and running the risk of not understanding/being understood

2. The farang's size and unfamiliar body language (typically, we are less restrained in our motions than Thais)

3. The absence of a smile.

The more your conform to the Thai norm for polite/tidy dress and the more you make an effort to smile/be positive and speak Thai, the more likely you are to be accepted and liked. You already noticed the smile trick works wonders.

Of course you make your own choices. If you dont want to smile or change the way you dress, fine. But dont go bitching about the reaction you receive afterwards. It takes two to tango, and as an outsider you cannot expect to be instantly liked in ANY culture. You need to make an effort.

Now if people still stare at you like an idiot after you have made an effort to adapt, they are clearly &lt;deleted&gt;, but you cant expect them to just accept you straight off. We all have prejudices against different groups.

Would you smile if a huge black man, or even two huge black men with unsmiling faces walked up to you in the street of your home town?

[RDN]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member.

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whoever he/she/it might be I doubt that eligibility for a retirement plan is likely.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It looks like your old friend Baaksida, Doc. I'll give him a holiday until we can confirm

[toyicebear]

Hi, Hi...

Well..to assume that everyone would welcome you as an equal immideatley anywhere in the world...that seems to me quite presumptuous...

Every country have their does and donts..maybe you are doing alot of donts.....and lets face it if some Thais have the impression that "falangs" are stupid "buffaloes" with tooooooooo much money..personally i do not blame them, after having expirienced the behavior of some of our peers in this country......

On the other hand, it might have nothing to do with this ..... if you are a dork in your native home country..well then u are most likely considered a dork here too...so who wants to talk to a dork........

Edited March 15, 2005 by toyicebear

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

...

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeehi, many foreigners that I know have made similar experiences in Thailand in such situations. However, they are the silent minority/majority who don't bother to send replies anymore, as this is the Politically Correct Board !!

Don't expect anyone on this board to agree with you if the topic is only slightly negative, rather than Happy Happy...

But yes, keep smiling and dressing well helps with most Thai peoples' opinion of you...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member.

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whoever he/she/it might be I doubt that eligibility for a retirement plan is likely.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It looks like your old friend Baaksida, Doc. I'll give him a holiday until we can confirm

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Baaksida wasn't banned RDN But Chang Noi looks like a bit of a prIck already

[Im Luvvinit]

I am sure that I am not the only person this happens to.

(Let me know if I am wrong.)

Why is it that whenever I approach a thai / group of thais, they look at me like i am an idiot?

Now, some of you will straight away be thinking, ah, he must be *doing* something stupid. I don't think so. Unless actually approaching them is stupid. And remember, This is before i even open my mouth.

I so often see this expression on them that it has started to irritate me. In fact it makes me feel confrontational. I keep cool when it happens. I want to look them in the eyes as an equal, but in these situations i feel like it would be an affront to them (because they obviously have such low regard for me that they would not like such a low life considering themselves and equal.)

I would like to know what farangs have done to make all the thais (especially the men) think we are such fools.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Guys!!! Lay off him!!!

Even paranoids have real enemies

[udon]

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member. 

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Try Superchav AKA Weasel.

Well spotted mate!

[Jai Dee]

Sounds suspiciously like a post from a recently banned member. 

If you don't like this "PC" forum, why bother joining to post such comments?

Troll. 

Try Superchav AKA Weasel.

Well spotted mate!

Ah ha....

I was actually thinking of someone else, but now that you mention those nicknames... the glove fits doesn't it?