A. BOOZER Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 (edited) I would think that I was not alone in having many misconceptions about Thailand and life here, before finally making the move. What things both shocked, surprised and amazed you? For me, I would say it was about learning the truth behind the smile. Edited October 31, 2013 by A. BOOZER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AYJAYDEE Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 youre saying there is a single truth behind the thai smiles?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeijoshinCool Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 What misconceptions did you have about Thailand before coming to live here? That I'd never want to leave. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 That I would be treated fairly and equally as another human being and that the country was, atleast in part, civilised. Man did I get that wrong ! and it was, and continues to be, a huge learning curve in sooooo many aspects. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willyumiii Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 As one who studied the teachings of the Buddha in the U.S, I was looking forward to living in a country that followed the Buddhist ways. When I settled in I realized how far from reality my expectations were. In the US you go to the Wat and there is silence when the Monks speak..any of the Monks. Here, it is a social event where it is difficult to even hear the person speaking over all the chit chat. But my biggest disappointment is the lack of respect for life. Most Thais that I know will kill anything that moves, food or not. They seem to enjoy killing. Not harming, causing pain or killing is the aspect of Buddhism that is probably most important to me. My expectation of a Buddhist attitude in a Buddhist country was my biggest misconception. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ToddWeston Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeijoshinCool Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. Here's the only five you'll probably meet today. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post manarak Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 As one who studied the teachings of the Buddha in the U.S, I was looking forward to living in a country that followed the Buddhist ways. When I settled in I realized how far from reality my expectations were. In the US you go to the Wat and there is silence when the Monks speak..any of the Monks. Here, it is a social event where it is difficult to even hear the person speaking over all the chit chat. But my biggest disappointment is the lack of respect for life. Most Thais that I know will kill anything that moves, food or not. They seem to enjoy killing. Not harming, causing pain or killing is the aspect of Buddhism that is probably most important to me. My expectation of a Buddhist attitude in a Buddhist country was my biggest misconception. wrong Buddhist sect - you should have moved to Tibet. regarding OP's post about misconceptions and shocks: - Thailand is much less "third world" than I was told by western media - Thailand is much safer than I expected - people are much friendlier than I expected - people are much cleaner than I expected - it is much easier to get things done /do things than expected, I have a feeling of pushing the right buttons with people - there is much more personal freedom than I expected, one is "in the driver seat" - the whole girl relationships thing is so much different and so much better - the amount of litter on the beaches is shocking - bad smells were shocking, but I guess I got used to them "men kee" 555 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HardenedSoul Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I realised that 90% of the "insights" on this forum regarding the people (the women in particular) and their attitudes was absolute <deleted> and provided by the type of men that I wouldn't dream of speaking to let alone associate with back home in Great Britain. That a disproportionate percentage of those men hailed from Great Britain, however, came as no surprise whatsoever. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiftyTwo Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 regarding OP's post about misconceptions and shocks: - Thailand is much less "third world" than I was told by western media - Thailand is much safer than I expected - people are much friendlier than I expected - people are much cleaner than I expected - it is much easier to get things done /do things than expected, I have a feeling of pushing the right buttons with people - there is much more personal freedom than I expected, one is "in the driver seat" - the whole girl relationships thing is so much different and so much better - the amount of litter on the beaches is shocking - bad smells were shocking, but I guess I got used to them "men kee" 555 Pretty much what I thought except the bad smells. I rarely encounter bad smells, apart from my wife cooking graprow ... that really is disgusting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 (edited) Hmmm. Yeah, the "truth" behind the smile. Sure. I went through the stupid tourist phase as well. I guess there are lots. I had been under the impression Thailand was a lot more LIBERAL than it actually is. I was surprised to learn about the harsh anti-pot laws, Thai prudishness on the beach, sex toys being illegal, etc. Also I figured most Thais liked Thai food spicier than me but actually I like Thai food spicier than most Thais ... Edited October 31, 2013 by Jingthing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hanno Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. With you on that one. I thought I'd meet foreigners that would appreciate living in a country with nice climate, great food, beautiful scenery, decent infrastructure (at least compared to Vietnam, where I lived for 15 years), some of the best food in the world, cheap beer, beautiful women (sexist, but true). Boy, was I wrong!!!!!!! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiftyTwo Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I realised that 90% of the "insights" on this forum regarding the people (the women in particular) and their attitudes was absolute <deleted> and provided by the type of men that I wouldn't dream of speaking to let alone associate with back home in Great Britain. That a disproportionate percentage of those men hailed from Great Britain, however, came as no surprise whatsoever. As forum members are generally white men living for the first time in a mainly coloured society, it's hardly surprising you don't share our insights. While also true that I suspect I wouldn't have associated with you in the UK, I find many of my previous prejudices have fallen away after living for a while with a mixture of races, myself being in the minority for a change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmackos Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought it would be a paradise ... I was wrong. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HardenedSoul Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I realised that 90% of the "insights" on this forum regarding the people (the women in particular) and their attitudes was absolute <deleted> and provided by the type of men that I wouldn't dream of speaking to let alone associate with back home in Great Britain. That a disproportionate percentage of those men hailed from Great Britain, however, came as no surprise whatsoever. As forum members are generally white men living for the first time in a mainly coloured society, it's hardly surprising you don't share our insights. While also true that I suspect I wouldn't have associated with you in the UK, I find many of my previous prejudices have fallen away after living for a while with a mixture of races, myself being in the minority for a change. Well I wasn't referring to race but if you wanna bring it down to that level, the insights I mentioned aren't the sole preserve of white males. I'm sure there are more than a few non-white Westerners who share them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanLaew Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 The OP's "truth behind the smile".... <deleted>. Yes, why not let someone else lead today's Thai bashing ritual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arminbkk Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I learned that Thais are not the all friendly, accepting, unprejudiced, happy with little, true peaceful Buddhist, considerate, smiling people that I first saw them to be. And I thought I would see/meet many friendly farangs here, happy to be able to live in this 'paradise' and therefore visibly happier than in their own country. But I guess they learned the same as me. I could add positives, but you asked about misconceptions, so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Like Thai Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 As one who studied the teachings of the Buddha in the U.S, I was looking forward to living in a country that followed the Buddhist ways. When I settled in I realized how far from reality my expectations were. In the US you go to the Wat and there is silence when the Monks speak..any of the Monks. Here, it is a social event where it is difficult to even hear the person speaking over all the chit chat. But my biggest disappointment is the lack of respect for life. Most Thais that I know will kill anything that moves, food or not. They seem to enjoy killing. Not harming, causing pain or killing is the aspect of Buddhism that is probably most important to me. My expectation of a Buddhist attitude in a Buddhist country was my biggest misconception. Is it any different to how Christians behave in a Christian country? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1Str8 Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought thai girls shaved their muffins. Man, I was wrong. I mean have you ever been to the jungle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jackson86 Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 when i first went to Pattaya, very shocked to see farangs collecting rubbish for a living. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeijoshinCool Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. With you on that one. I thought I'd meet foreigners that would appreciate living in a country with nice climate, great food, beautiful scenery, decent infrastructure (at least compared to Vietnam, where I lived for 15 years), some of the best food in the world, cheap beer, beautiful women (sexist, but true). Boy, was I wrong!!!!!!! Uhm, don't think that's what Mr Weston was lamenting … 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbeSurd Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I did a lot of research online before I ever set foot in Thailand. (I'd never been to anywhere in SE Asia before). Places on the internet like ThaiVisa.After all I'd read, when it was time to leave the UK, boy, was I prepared for the very worst.So once I'd arrived, and I started to find my way round, I was actually relieved ... even pleasantly surprised.But, for sure, Thailand is no bed of roses - so I'm glad I was so cautious in my early days here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel2003 Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Didnt know much, so I had no idea what to think. The first thing which amazed me was how easy complete strangers can engage in a chat here. Talk to a stranger in the west, for no particular reason, and you are looked upon a Psycho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post h90 Posted October 31, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. Yes and I thought these are smart experienced people, who have a more open view than these at home, as they have seen other cultures.... Well it wasn't exactly true... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. With you on that one. I thought I'd meet foreigners that would appreciate living in a country with nice climate, great food, beautiful scenery, decent infrastructure (at least compared to Vietnam, where I lived for 15 years), some of the best food in the world, cheap beer, beautiful women (sexist, but true). Boy, was I wrong!!!!!!! yes the beer is crap and expensive 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thot Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 None. A new culture and way of life to learn about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanno Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought I'd meet lots of happy normal farangs. With you on that one. I thought I'd meet foreigners that would appreciate living in a country with nice climate, great food, beautiful scenery, decent infrastructure (at least compared to Vietnam, where I lived for 15 years), some of the best food in the world, cheap beer, beautiful women (sexist, but true). Boy, was I wrong!!!!!!! yes the beer is crap and expensive Expensive? You obviously haven't lived in the Middle East. I do actually like Chang but even a draft IPA in BKK is cheaper than a can of Heineken (talk about crap beer) in Dubai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x0r1987 Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I had heard that some people (the simple kind of person) thought that "The Land Of Smiles" and the fact Thai's smile a lot meant they are somehow different to any other human on the planet... Twas only when I found this forum did I start to believe it This forum also taught me that some people are shocked to find its not the case.... Idiots to say the least (in my humble opinion) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeThePoster Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I thought it was in South East Asia. Turns out it's also the centre of the universe. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benalibina Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 What 1 expects, 1 does not get. What 1 does not expect, 1 gets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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