A bit of Thinglish leads to a misunderstanding

[Bluetongue]

A true story of misunderstanding in a mixed Thai English language scenario.

In the early 90s I was staying in Patong Beach on Phuket in my then girlfriend’s room. Back then Patong was busy but nowhere near as crowded with buildings as it is today. Anyway one night we decided to go out for dinner at one of the nicer (and more expensive) seafood places on the beach esplanade. One of the places where you choose your lobster, fish and oysters on the way in. We were accompanied by her best friend who lived two rooms up.

So there I am walking to this place with 2 women, all dolled up in their best little black dresses, hair done, just gorgeous. I’m feeling like a king. We’ve had a lovely meal, a couple of drinks and life is good. Just prior to this trip I’ve been to my mate Ted’s wedding where we finished off the reception with half a dozen shouts of Sambuca at the bar. You, know the shot glasses plus three coffee beans, then light the glass, toast the coffee beans, blow out the flame and down the hatch. I noticed this restaurant had Sambuca on its drinks menu, and I thought what a nice way to end the meal, and of course impress the girls with my worldliness.



To those who don’t know Sambuca it tastes like aniseed or liquorice and comes in a really tall bottle like Galliano. I called the waiter over and ordered three Sambuca’s. He looked confused so I held up three fingers and emphasised the order again. He still looked confused but went away. At this point I should say that the Thai word for three is saam, pretty much as it sounds in Sambuca. Also most service staff in Patong at that time spoke a little English at least.

After an interlude of about ten minutes he comes up and proudly presents me with three books. He had gone to the big hotel next door and borrowed them from the lobby. They were the hardback glossy travel books, you know the ones with lots of pictures. I couldn’t help but laugh although no-one else knew why. With good humour retained I called for the drinks menu and actually pointed out the Sambuca. The expression on his face as realisation dawned upon him was priceless, but then he recovered and said “no hab (no have)” a popular way for Thai’s to say they don’t have something.

[weegee]

can you get Sambuca here? ...dont mind a drop of that now and then.