A caste society, not where 2% of the population own 70% of the people. I know of a few places like that.

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Outstanding, . . . .. as long as you are not being serious.

Did you think for a second he was?

Are Thais finally having a good look at themselves? I hope so. The mai pen rai attitude is for lazy losers.

Here Here. correct. & add in lying and cheating.

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Yep, spot on every point... 5555

Oh, that OP is such an evil terrible Thai basher - oh wait, hold on, that person IS Thai. Thank you. All those who keep on and on about what a load of Thai bashers we are, THAI PEOPLE SAY AND THINK THE SAME ! So stop complaining about us speaking the truth, it isn't bashing, I know the truth hurts but that's life !

My Thai friends go out of their way to help each other. Just last night one of them went out of his way to give me a ride home. But sure there are some bad aspects in this Thai society.... Just like everywhere else. Example, traffic rage, killing, in USA. Patronage is a problem in Thai and other developing countries.

Thailand! a superpower! are u dreaming or what?

It was an exaggeration of course. I just hope the infrastructure gets a facelift and that the police get their S together . ... Among other things.

Bad behavior and unprofessional ethics start from the top

Yes, don´t blame "The Thais" Blame the people who let them become like this and want them to stay like that, for their own advantage.

Edited October 3, 201312 yr by I knew this would happen

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Love it!

Major reason; they were never colonized and kicked up the ass. It's cute in a way and makes em somewhat unique, though also utterly nonsensical and cringeworthy at times.

(Thinking out loud)

Are we perhaps being unfair by assuming that different countries should aspire to be better.

There are many Thai features which are unique to Thailand. Are they to be removed to allow Thailand to join the modern world.

Thailand is brain-washed, so doesn't have the capacity for independent thought. They don't need to change because they feel being Thai is enough.

Being (unwelcome but spending) guests, should we be thinking about how Thailand can be better? Thailand is Thailand, perhaps we are trying to change something which ought not to be changed.

As I say, just rambling thoughts which challenge my own personal thoughts that Thailand needs to change for the benefit of Thais.

Thing is, most people know that time change. It is odd to see this desperate attempt to avoid changing anything.

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Lol

"But I hope someone will post another message to extol the 10 national good habits that will override the eight bad ones - those good things that we Thais do every day that will one day make us a superpower."

I guess one of those 10 is: 'taking your time, not hurry', right?

Why should they change or do anything about it?

Seems to me most expats living in Thailand want to change the Thais and Thailand to be more like people and country they left behind, the same country and people they continually complain about...

Most people come/came here for the warm(er) weather, the pretty/prettier women (even if only to look at), the cheaper nightlife/dining out, being in a place where you don't understand everything that is being said so there's less to bother you.

Most don't know come for the things that only become evident, thus one becomes aware of, once one has stayed here for a certain period of time and that become disappointments: corruption, patronage system, lack of following rules and laws etc. It is relaxed to see motorcycle taxis on the sidewalk when walking about as a tourist: it becomes a nuisance when you have to stop for one almost every day while on your way to work. Just an example.

What is often said about Thais can also, to some extent, be said of foreigners: you can take the Thai <replace with any nationality> out of Thailand <replace with corresponding country>, but you cannot take Thailand <repeat other country> out of the Thai <repeat other nationality>.

" ..... things that we Thais do every day that will one day make us a superpower."

Superpower in what?

" ..... things that we Thais do every day that will one day make us a superpower."

Superpower in what?

That is suuuupur powuuuuur

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Is that all? Some posters on TV just never want to give Thais enough praise.

Here's an idea..... if you don't like them more than this then go home.

One of the first things Thailand must do ins reform its emigration policies to compete with the rest of the world. The present system is a hold over from the 1970s and they need to level the playing field so all can give back to Thai Society. There simply is no equality it the system. Too bad what a wasted resource for the country and the Thai people.

This is the Global Economy not just the Thai Global economy

My guess is, other Thai's are going to say Mai pen rai to this matter.

There is much for Thais to be proud of - the ability to take pleasure in the present moment, the grace and charm in personal relationships, the consideration shown for others, the extraordinary ability to pay attention to detail, the love of nature. the refrshing lack of agonising about personal issues.

We know what the problems are and to an extent they are structural, sometimes even the flip side of the attractive aspects.But it's always worth reminding oneself why one lives here.

As a staunch defender of everything Thai, Jayboy, good post. Except..............................

1.the ability to take pleasure in the present moment. No doubt this is the reason they are always in a hurry, at least in the city.

2.the grace and charm in personal relationships. This can be seen every evening on the soaps and the news

3. the consideration shown for others,. This can be noticed when driving in traffic or riding on the BTS or city buses. Me first.

4. the extraordinary ability to pay attention to detail. Definitely. That's why there are no problems with Thai construction, electrical wiring and railway maintenance.

5.the love of nature. Oh yes! Build resorts in national parks. Strew the beaches with garbage. Cut down forests and mangrove areas. Try to build dams in sensitive areas.

6. the refreshing lack of agonizing about personal issues. No worries there. If they are pissed off, out comes a knife or gun.

7. But it's always worth reminding oneself why one lives here. I remind myself every day that it is solely because of these glowing qualities that my life is blessed while living here in the Kingdom.

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Obviously Noitom has been here a while and even done some business here. I think everything is covered here in some way.

...the senior...raping or otherwise abusing the junior...comes to mind.....oh my...yes...how far they have come........

....abuse...bullying....coercion....even rape.... ...senior over junior.... ...and in society....the one with the 'bigger' or 'higher' connection prevails.... ...come a long way to some of the worst hypocrisy and corruption on the planet... ...and the wai...the smile...the apology make everything 'okay'....yeah, those are good ones too....

...that is not culture....it is lack of culture.....

...the way of the street dogs....

Edited October 3, 201312 yr by SOTIRIOS

Inability to admit you are underdeveloped?

Pile on, farangs!

"Kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down . . . ."

Pile on, farangs!

"Kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down . . . ."

"Obviously my dear, you don't give a damn."

Bad behavior and unprofessional ethics start from the top

I find this true with many thai's in Tourist Area's. I live way in the sticks with the nearest farang living 15 killometers from me. I find the thai people to be honest,helpful and extreamly nice people.

One of the first things Thailand must do ins reform its emigration policies to compete with the rest of the world. The present system is a hold over from the 1970s and they need to level the playing field so all can give back to Thai Society. There simply is no equality it the system. Too bad what a wasted resource for the country and the Thai people.

This is the Global Economy not just the Thai Global economy

Certainly Thailand needs to embrace that there is a world outside of Thailand.

It seems that the Swampy tunnel of tourists is all Thais know of the non-Thai world. Any ideas about the origin of the tourists is mostly a mystery (I would guess)

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Great satirical post and I agree with your general reverse sentiment.

But honestly, I look at my country and I see exactly the same shortcomings. I look at other countries in the west and I also see the same shortcomings.

Your post is similar to the Aussie v Kiwi joke, or the English v Wales joke where the punch line can be altered to deride either nationality depending upon the teller of the joke.

The western world has largely gone to hell in a handcart and ethics and morals died in the 60's and 70's.

Read Noitom's post again and insert YOUR COUNTRY'S name - see if you really think we are any better in the west, or are we really that smug that we think our own societies are utopia compared to Thai society.

Why should they change or do anything about it?

Seems to me most expats living in Thailand want to change the Thais and Thailand to be more like people and country they left behind, the same country and people they continually complain about...

Why shouldn't they? Change is natural, isn't it? Especially nowadays. The world is rapidly changing and getting smaller and if they want the outside world to take them seriously, a few(even minor)changes would benefit them as a society and as individuals.

Why should they change or do anything about it?

Seems to me most expats living in Thailand want to change the Thais and Thailand to be more like people and country they left behind, the same country and people they continually complain about...

Most people come/came here for the warm(er) weather, the pretty/prettier women (even if only to look at), the cheaper nightlife/dining out, being in a place where you don't understand everything that is being said so there's less to bother you.

Most don't know come for the things that only become evident, thus one becomes aware of, once one has stayed here for a certain period of time and that become disappointments: corruption, patronage system, lack of following rules and laws etc. It is relaxed to see motorcycle taxis on the sidewalk when walking about as a tourist: it becomes a nuisance when you have to stop for one almost every day while on your way to work. Just an example.

What is often said about Thais can also, to some extent, be said of foreigners: you can take the Thai out of Thailand , but you cannot take Thailand out of the Thai .

Certainly the original reasons for settling in Thailand become overtaken by greater realities.

One aspect that exasperates me personally is the obvious de-personalizing of students by insisting they wear name, school name and student number (in many, but not all cases) on their shirts. Why? An obvious constant wearing of uniforms, long after kicking out time. Initially it seemed quaint, a reflection of pride in one's educational establishment. Now I realise it is all part of the imposition of control through school years into employment.

I honestly question whether I would have chosen to support students if I knew they wouldn't be allowed to personally develop. It's an uphill struggle. The alternative is to write-off another life as another 'brick in the wall'. Thailand loves to be Thai.

Good habits. Thais are always above board in their personal and business dealings. Their word is their bond. Charitable giving by the Thai rich is massive and publicly known. Thais take so much responsibility for their actions and behavior it makes others feel inferior. Thais never expect anything special or to be treated differently. Thai respect for law and rules of the road is amazing. Thais work very diligently , always deliver on promise, and know and understand the concept of achievement. Thais respect others in every endeavor especially the poor and foreign persons. Thais are extremely knowledgable and well read. Thais hold personal character and morality in very high esteem and would never sell out.

Couldn't say it better, because I'm not as kind as you.

Edited October 3, 201312 yr by ABCer