Thai Sense of Humour

[Crazy chef 1]

if somebody gets serious hurt...

[dotpoom]

Benny Hill.

Many Thai people I have met appreciate that type of humour.

Sarcasm seems not to be very well understood.

Agree........all types of humour will make them laugh, if they understand it....sarcasm they don't get like Woody allen humour for example

Edited January 26, 2015 by dotpoom

[NancyL]

They love puns and the Thai language with its tones and long and short vowels really lends itself to world-class punning.

[Shiver]

An ex-GF was once laughing so hard about a joke she just heard, and was struggling just to get her breath with the laughter. I was curious and asked what was so funny. The joke went something like this:

Two girls walking down the street chatting and giggling. A bald guy walking the other way stops them and says "You're laughing at me because I'm bald aren't you". The girls say "no, we were just chatting amongst ourselves". The guy says (and this is the punchline apparently) "ok, but you were thinking about it".

That was about 8 years ago, and the penny still hasn't dropped for me (English) as to where the joke is. If someone can explain it to me then it will get rid of one piece of misery I don't have to think about anymore. Call me slow, but this takes the biscuit.

[TSF]

Tell them true stories about farang who have been cheated out of their life savings in Thailand, or beaten senseless by thugs when walking home late at night. And watch the big smiles break out on their faces. They love these type of stories best.

[uptheos]

Benny Hill.

Many Thai people I have met appreciate that type of humour.

Sarcasm seems not to be very well understood.

What you mean running after young girls or tapping an old bald man on the head?

[Mudcrab]

Thai people are awesome with sarcasm. The smart-ass comments I hear made at my expense make me think, "I should be mad, but I gotta admit, that was hilarious." I am defenseless.

I definitely don't care for the slapstick stuff I see in dumb movies aimed at the lowest-common denominator, but if you think that's all there is to humour in Thailand, then you're really missing out.

I lived in Japan for so many years that I started to think sarcasm in humour was just western thing (Japan has sarcasm, but it's almost always used to be mean to someone). I thought that slipping in funny comments in a serious discussion was a European invention. It is not at all, I constantly meet Thai people who are masters at it. It is one of the very enjoyable things I find about living here.

Anyone who is surrounded by really dumb folks limited to a Three Stooges level of humour should get a new circle of friends!

I use sarcasm with Thais, both at the office, with friends and elsewhere, and it is nearly always understood. Likewise my Thai friends can be just as sarcastic. So, yes, while they do like simple slapstick humour, that is not the limit to their appreciation of humour.

Are you sure that you and timmyp are not mistaking being the brunt of xenophobic condescension as sarcasm?

I am talking about sarcasm in Thai language. And, yes, I am sure there is no condescension involved.

I would not deign to be saracastic in English if the listener was not sufficiently fluent in the language.

Just stick to Chimp huh?

[CapeCobra]

USA decided to commission a new roadshow to promote manufacturing USA brands in CHina for the SE ASian market. They decided to get pitches for the production of the road show from 3 countries: Thailand, Singapore and China.

The Singaporean guy was first, and said $1m USD, based on an extensive logistics study that revealed ways to produce the roadshow out of MDF, using the latest in laser inkjet printing and sourcing local talent. The Americans were well impressed.

The Chinese guy was next, and said he could do it for $500k USD, based on cheap labour, loss leading and no margin. He said he wanted the work, to develop a relationship and expertise with the roadshow type of work. The Americans then turned to the Thai contractor...

The Thai bidder said "2.5m USD"

When asked why are you so much more than the other two bidders, the answer came as follows:

"1m for you, 1m for me, and we get the Chinese guy to do it"

[teatree]

Slapstick and puns.

[marko kok prong]

Are you sure that you and timmyp are not mistaking being the brunt of xenophobic condescension as sarcasm?

That definitely happens, arrows, and when it does, there is an unmistakable air of condescension.

I definitely don't care for that type of "humour." Insecure Thai men will do that to me, and then look to the group they are with for approval, as if to say, "Aren't a funny comedian at this dumb farang's expense?" They are usually twisting a word around that suggests I don't understand what they are saying (and when they do that, to be honest, I usually don't understand what they are saying, but I definitely know what is happening). Those are just dumb trashy folks, and I avoid them. I will leave the room or the bar or wherever to get away. Nothing good comes from that. If those jerks get approval, they will ramp up their demeaning behaviour.

What you're describing isn't a demonstration of a good sarcastic wit, it's just a jackass taking out their insecurities on someone they see as having less social clout. I have seen Americans and Brits, etc. do this to people who are not particularly fluent in English. I lived in Japan for about 15 years, and Japanese guys loved to do exactly the same thing to me, but I at least I could assert myself better in Japanese than I can in Thai.

So I know exactly what you are talking about. But my praise and love of sarcasm by Thai people is not being confused with someone trying to be funny at my expense.

Dear,dear Timmy,with all this nonsensical bluster,i feel strangely protective of you,they are laughing at you ,Sir,you,now wake up,damn your eyes sir.

[samsensam]

just watch the tv. they love literal/slapstick humour. and they love the audio cues that are attached to programes to tell them something is funny - a technique used only in tv programes for the very young in the west.

[GarryP]

Thai people are awesome with sarcasm. The smart-ass comments I hear made at my expense make me think, "I should be mad, but I gotta admit, that was hilarious." I am defenseless.

I definitely don't care for the slapstick stuff I see in dumb movies aimed at the lowest-common denominator, but if you think that's all there is to humour in Thailand, then you're really missing out.

I lived in Japan for so many years that I started to think sarcasm in humour was just western thing (Japan has sarcasm, but it's almost always used to be mean to someone). I thought that slipping in funny comments in a serious discussion was a European invention. It is not at all, I constantly meet Thai people who are masters at it. It is one of the very enjoyable things I find about living here.

Anyone who is surrounded by really dumb folks limited to a Three Stooges level of humour should get a new circle of friends!

I use sarcasm with Thais, both at the office, with friends and elsewhere, and it is nearly always understood. Likewise my Thai friends can be just as sarcastic. So, yes, while they do like simple slapstick humour, that is not the limit to their appreciation of humour.

I am talking about sarcasm in Thai language. And, yes, I am sure there is no condescension involved.

I would not deign to be saracastic in English if the listener was not sufficiently fluent in the language.

Just stick to Chimp huh?

I am jealous of your intellect. If a Thai person is not sufficiently fluent in English, I would speak Thai, a language I am also fluent in.

[timmyp]

Are you sure that you and timmyp are not mistaking being the brunt of xenophobic condescension as sarcasm?

That definitely happens, arrows, and when it does, there is an unmistakable air of condescension.

I definitely don't care for that type of "humour." Insecure Thai men will do that to me, and then look to the group they are with for approval, as if to say, "Aren't a funny comedian at this dumb farang's expense?" They are usually twisting a word around that suggests I don't understand what they are saying (and when they do that, to be honest, I usually don't understand what they are saying, but I definitely know what is happening). Those are just dumb trashy folks, and I avoid them. I will leave the room or the bar or wherever to get away. Nothing good comes from that. If those jerks get approval, they will ramp up their demeaning behaviour.

What you're describing isn't a demonstration of a good sarcastic wit, it's just a jackass taking out their insecurities on someone they see as having less social clout. I have seen Americans and Brits, etc. do this to people who are not particularly fluent in English. I lived in Japan for about 15 years, and Japanese guys loved to do exactly the same thing to me, but I at least I could assert myself better in Japanese than I can in Thai.

So I know exactly what you are talking about. But my praise and love of sarcasm by Thai people is not being confused with someone trying to be funny at my expense.

Dear,dear Timmy,with all this nonsensical bluster,i feel strangely protective of you,they are laughing at you ,Sir,you,now wake up,damn your eyes sir.

Thanks for the concern, man. Yeah, sometimes it is just as you say. I hate it when that happens... gotta steer clear of folks like that.

[asdecas]

My Thai friends have always found anything uttered by Police Captain Chalerm hysterically funny.

Since he went to ground some months ago they have taken to finding Friday evening TV eminently mirth-inducing.

[marko kok prong]

Thanks for the concern, man. Yeah, sometimes it is just as you say. I hate it when that happens... gotta steer clear of folks like that.

I am only worried old chap,some posters on two wheels will hammer you or even worse the bible basher,who will examine you inner moral compass, and then disect you,Timmy,do not reply to them,please Timmy tell me you won,t.

[Fullstop]

Keep one of these jaw harps in your pocket. Tell any joke you like. Give it a "boing" at thr end.

You'll have them rolling in the aisles.

[sdanielmcev]

I try to avoid anybody that doesn't like slapstick humor. And, the more I understand the Thai language, the more I understand Thai humor. Pretty much the same as anywhere else. Most all humor is demeaning.

Oh, Woody Allen hasn't been funny in 40 years.

[sdanielmcev]

An ex-GF was once laughing so hard about a joke she just heard, and was struggling just to get her breath with the laughter. I was curious and asked what was so funny. The joke went something like this:

Two girls walking down the street chatting and giggling. A bald guy walking the other way stops them and says "You're laughing at me because I'm bald aren't you". The girls say "no, we were just chatting amongst ourselves". The guy says (and this is the punchline apparently) "ok, but you were thinking about it".

That was about 8 years ago, and the penny still hasn't dropped for me (English) as to where the joke is. If someone can explain it to me then it will get rid of one piece of misery I don't have to think about anymore. Call me slow, but this takes the biscuit.

Dang, that's an old one. I originally heard it as the guy lost his toupee. I think from MAD magazine.

[sdanielmcev]

What most don't understand about other cultures' humor is the references.

[Fullstop]

I try to avoid anybody that doesn't like slapstick humor

I'd like to avoid anyone who ONLY enjoys slapstick humour. Unfortunately .. I live in Thailand.

(example of sarcasm)

[steveG]

Thai people are awesome with sarcasm. The smart-ass comments I hear made at my expense make me think, "I should be mad, but I gotta admit, that was hilarious." I am defenseless.

I definitely don't care for the slapstick stuff I see in dumb movies aimed at the lowest-common denominator, but if you think that's all there is to humour in Thailand, then you're really missing out.

I lived in Japan for so many years that I started to think sarcasm in humour was just western thing (Japan has sarcasm, but it's almost always used to be mean to someone). I thought that slipping in funny comments in a serious discussion was a European invention. It is not at all, I constantly meet Thai people who are masters at it. It is one of the very enjoyable things I find about living here.

Anyone who is surrounded by really dumb folks limited to a Three Stooges level of humour should get a new circle of friends!

Lovlely post Timmy,but i can't help thinking you are in a minority of...,one!

Timmyp - you must move in higher circles in Thai society and have a very good command of the language. I wish that I will be able to understand the humour of the higher echelons. Shame that my experience of Thai humour is; as observed by most here!!!

[ggt]

Watch any TV Thai soap-opera to get a sense of Thai humor...shootings, knifings, slapping women, men beaten to a pulp...corruption and marriage unfaithfulness all on an elementary school child's intellectual level...this is what Thais find funny...

Second watch a farang being cheated out or his baht...or beaten to a pulp for not wanting to pay a bill which is grossly overstated by a Thai...there is your humor...

Is the picture of Thai humor more clear now?

[wow64]

You need to get a Boing noise in

Hahahaha I just tried to explain that to my Thai wife.. Totally didn't get it. Booinnng now she gets it.

[Donnie Brasco]

Benny Hill.

Many Thai people I have met appreciate that type of humour.

Sarcasm seems not to be very well understood.

Agree........all types of humour will make them laugh, if they understand it....sarcasm they don't get like Woody allen humour for example

Actually depending on their level of worldliness, they do.

This old Woody Allen joke regarding sex gets them at all levels:

"Hey Siriporn (Krap) Does sex always have to be dirty ?"

(Give Siriporn a few seconds to ponder that before you suggest . . . . . )

"Well, yes, of course it does. . . . . . . If you're doing it properly ;-)"

If it "goes through" they get it and they'll giggle BUT then they'll realize what they've effectively revealed.

The joke will then reverberate and if they're sharing it and If it reverberates appreciably they'll get into uncontollable giggles.

(I've seen tears streaming down their faces and some even leave the room laughing.

If she gets it and laughs (no Thai girl wants to carry her reaction to this *by herself* among a group of, say, office workers) she'll either translate it and share it so everyone except the office virgin can have a laugh. . . . OR

she'll feign malcomprehension" (um, that's your cue NOT to parse the joke and explain it, n-n-n-nkaaaay;- ?)

But she won't forget it.

Or the guy who told it.

Kinda like the first time back in the late nineties when the girls all got together and porn-surfed.

But that's a story for another day ;-)))))

Edited January 26, 2015 by Donnie Brasco

[Docno]

I have to say that I like the Bodyguard movie series with Mum. The Thais also do some pretty funny commercials. This one is a classic:

[mutha289]

One of the in-laws used to like to sing a little ditty to us that went something like, "Falang kee no hok bai saling" (forgive my misspellings). The first time around I found it mildly amusing, but when it got sung every time I saw her (accompanied with beetle juice running down her chin) I just wanted to cringe.

[MZurf]

2 ****girls walking on the street...

suddenly one girls say: "look, a dead bird" "Nok taai"

The otherone looking upwarts to the sky and asks : where ?

That's actually one of the better Thai jokes I've heard. Most of the time I don't understand the jokes at all. I'm not bashing Thai humor, just acknowledging that it's very different from what makes me laugh (except from Mr Bean and Benny Hill).

But that's fine - if everything was the same as in the country where I grew up I wouldn't live here.

[geronimo]

Benny Hill.

Many Thai people I have met appreciate that type of humour.

Sarcasm seems not to be very well understood.

Expat friend of mine, living in the same condo as I, had bother with this girl across the hall. As soon as he came home, she;d be in there, sit on the sofa, watch TV etc. After a few days of this he turned to her and said,

"Why don't you just move in! Would you like me to cook something for you?"

She looked at him for a few seconds, left and came back with her stuff, sat down and turned on the TV.

[socksy01]

How can they understand humour when in the fake Charlie Chaplin silent movies he talks as does Mr Bean?

[LawrenceN]

Thais seem to like puns and - what do you call it? - when you switch initial letters of two words. Here's my favorite example, below.

I was riding in a van full of women, my wife and her dear old friends from university days. We were passing Wat Jet Yod on the Superhighway in Chiang Mai. The name means "seven peaks." Someone mis-spoke, don't know if it was intentional or not, and it came out Wat Jod Yet. which now means "park and [have a romantic encounter]. An alert moderator might censor the last of the Thai words. since it's usually translated in English to the "F-word." That van rocked with laughter for several minutes. People couldn't catch their breath. So there you have it. Of course there's the ribaldry. Maybe another factor is the naughtiness, the borderline sacrilege, of it being associated with the word "wat," as if there's a wat for that.

EDIT This (semi) alert mod removed all the Thai language as it's not permitted outside the Thai Language forum.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Crossy
Removed Thai language per forum rules