Do Thais Really Smile More Than Anyone? [Season 3, Episode 47]
The Bangkok Podcast19 Helmi 2019

Do Thais Really Smile More Than Anyone? [Season 3, Episode 47]

"The Land of Smiles" has been one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history. So much so, that many people come to Thailand thinking that every single person in the country is a smiling angel, and are shocked when someone is mean or tries to scam them.

This is Greg's theory anyway, and it's one of many that he and Ed discuss as they ponder if Thailand really is deserving of its title as one of the friendliest countries in the world. Spoiler - both Greg and Ed think it probably is, but there are a few caveats. How does social structure dictate outward friendliness? Is there a difference between being friendly and being nice? And how much of this reputation comes from dumbass foreigners like us misinterpreting subtle social cues that are embedded deep in Thai culture?

Much like one's opinion of Thailand will be colored by their individual experience, so are Thais colored by their individual personalities, and a sweeping generalization - even a positive one - doesn't do any country justice. As Greg subtly explains: "Some of the biggest dickheads I know are Canadians, and we're all supposed to be nice!"

As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

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Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 1 [S6.E50]

Democracy in Asia: Its History, Variants and Purpose with Ajarn Ployjai Pintobtang, Part 1 [S6.E50]

This is Part One of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand and Asia. Ed begins by asking A. Ploy ...

25 Heinä 202349min

What Age is the Best Age to Relocate to Thailand? [S6.E49]

What Age is the Best Age to Relocate to Thailand? [S6.E49]

Greg and Ed debate the pros and cons of coming to Thailand at different ages, with the obvious caveat that there's no right answer that applies to every person and that no matter when you come to the ...

18 Heinä 202329min

An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48]

An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48]

Ed interviews our favorite expert on Buddhism, Phra Pandit. This time the focus is on meditation, exactly what it is, and what role it plays in the Buddhist religion as a whole. Phra Pandit begins wit...

11 Heinä 202349min

The Where, Why & How Much of Choosing the Right Hospital [S6.E47]

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Greg and Ed discuss an important conundrum facing expats and tourists in Thailand: When sick or injured, should you go to a private Thai hospital or a public one? The difference in cost is substantial...

4 Heinä 202345min

Legal Talk: What to do if You Get Stopped by the Thai Police [S6.E46]

Legal Talk: What to do if You Get Stopped by the Thai Police [S6.E46]

Greg interviews resident legal expert Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of interacting with police officers in Bangkok. The guys begin by going over the various options for run-ins with the boys in...

27 Kesä 202350min

Expat Identity: Do You Really Want to be Treated Like a Thai? [S6.E45]

Expat Identity: Do You Really Want to be Treated Like a Thai? [S6.E45]

Greg and Ed discuss whether or not they prefer to be treated the same as Thai people are treated. On the one hand, after living in Thailand for twenty years, the guys feel like they've 'earned' the ri...

20 Kesä 202332min

Retouristing with Jim Cirillo: Using Thailand to Reinvent Yourself [S6.E44]

Retouristing with Jim Cirillo: Using Thailand to Reinvent Yourself [S6.E44]

Ed interviews his old friend Jim Cirillo, a good example of a repeat tourist (or re-tourist) to Thailand, the sizeable population of people all over the world who keep coming back to Thailand but for ...

13 Kesä 202351min

Questions, Queries & Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43]

Questions, Queries & Complaints About Bangkok's Transport Systems [S6.E43]

Sparked by a recent news story, Greg and Ed consider the ways in which Thai public transportation misses the mark. Granted, both guys agree that overall, public transportation in Thailand is actually...

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