Comparing "Ugly Americans" In South America To "Ugly F-Rangs" In Thailand?

[Jingthing]

I find it interesting to read about expat cultural conflicts in OTHER cultures and compare and contrast to these kinds of issues in Thailand.

Some are the same, some are different. It also might depend on WHERE you are in Thailand.

In the linked article, the author is talking about American (and Canadian) expats being the problem in Latin America, but really most "gringo" expats there are from the US and Canada. Here in Thailand most "white" expats are from Europe but that doesn't mean there aren't some parallels.

Anyway, how much and how little can you relate to this, either something you do yourself, or have observed in other expats:

“These people are so damned slow!”

“They’re all a bunch of liars.”

“I want my coffee RIGHT NOW!”

“These people won’t even speak English; they can but they won’t!”

“In thirty days we can run this town.”

“We need to make some serious changes around here.”

“Why can’t these [word omitted] speak English like the rest of the civilized world?”

“You gringos are all alike; you think you are better than we are.”

http://www.cuencahig...or-trouble.aspx

What strikes me first reading this, living in Pattaya, is that LANGUAGE is MUCH LESS of an issue for me and my fellow expats here. You can choose to learn Thai, but you don't have to. You can do almost all of your important business here in English, with no need for a translator. You don't get many Thais dissing you for not knowing Thai; in fact sometimes its clear many Thais don't even want you to. So many Thais, especially younger ones, are at least making a token effort at speaking basic Thai-glish and are not culturally offended if you "make" them try because you don't speak Thai.

Anyway, I find the entire article amusing to look at it in the light of the differences to experiences in Thailand.

Edited February 13, 2012 by Jingthing

[dean999]

I wouldn't trust any Thai that doesn't want you learning Thai.

[Briggsy]

Jingthing, I knew this was one of yours even before I saw your name.

[Jingthing]

I wouldn't trust any Thai that doesn't want you learning Thai.

Yes, I see your point but at least where I live in Thailand lack of Thai language knowledge is not nearly as crippling as it is in the Latin American destination in the link. Here I can deal with all my important business in English and no need for a translator: utility companies, banking, real estate transactions, dealing with condo management, shopping, etc. etc.

[clip]

Jingthing, I knew this was one of yours even before I saw your name.

5555555

[Jingthing]

Jingthing, I knew this was one of yours even before I saw your name.

5555555

So I take it this thread is gonna be a big DUD then? Oh well ...

[IsaanUSA]

Oh God, Columbian women. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!