You Know You Haven't Lived in Thailand Long Enough When...

[eldragon]

So the "You Know You've Lived in Thailand Too Long When..." thread got kinda pissed on today. While I always enjoy it and look forward to reading it throughout the day, it seems like everyone's seen enough of those. But what are the top indicators that a foreigners hasn't lived in Thailand long enough? Or habits one should adopt to better fit in with Thais? I'm talking about those people that have lived here a year or two- or more- and still just don't get certain, seemingly standard behaviors one should abide by.

The first one that comes to my mind involves eating. I'm always amazed and a little embarrassed by the foreigners who go out to eat with Thai friends, order a few dishes together, then immediately scoop half of one entree on their plate and ask if anyone else wants some. Of course, these same people usually inhale the food in under two minutes and sometimes order another entree right away.

Edited January 2, 2015 by eldragon

[gerry123]

you've got me mate but i do wonder how one equates eating habits with time here in Thailand

i would agree experience might change ones ordering system

[WhamBam]

A few European countries eat like this too. As do many curry houses where they serve several dishes and one dips in.

As to those who scoop half the food at any one time, they are ignorant and lacking in etiquette.

Often the case is, if you are with a g/f at the time, she will give you a portion of each if you are patient.

I did like it when we all sat down together to eat a variety of dishes. A great experience.

[seajae]

to be honest I find if I do not take what I want it is all gone by the time it is my turn, the family/friends go out and even though I order my own food I know I like better they all seem to decide they want that instead of eating the food I dont like that they ordered. Same goes at home, I will buy food I like to eat but when I go to get it, it is gone. There are people that just do as they please everywhere, thais included, you analogy is not a good one and certainly not confined to farangs or living here for years, maybe your friend is just a pig

.

[Boycie]

I'm with you seajae. Reckon Smithy has it spot on....ok his chatting French Indian but the same happens to me when its dinner time in Thailand.

[DeaconJohn]

Some farangs make an effort to learn about the country they are living in and the people they are living among, and some don't.

The views and attitudes of those who don't can be read any day of the week on ThaiVisa.

[thrilled]

When we go out to A restaurant,I don't eat Thai food,so I make sure the place has western food.They order whatever they want

And I order Western food.They eat their food,I eat mine.Been doing this since 1971. Never any problems.If any of them order

Western food no problem.They eat theirs,I eat mine.

[eldragon]

I'm with you seajae. Reckon Smithy has it spot on....ok his chatting French Indian but the same happens to me when its dinner time in Thailand.

You guys need some new Thai friends. Ha ha.

[redandyellow]

.. you can't tell a ( top-notch ) Thai ladyboy from a Thai lady with full veracity?

[thehelmsman]

They post their personal problems on Thai Visa and expect a solution. Or worse yet they act on advice given on Thai Visa.