The Secret to Expat Happiness: Managing Your Expectations [S6.E65]

The Secret to Expat Happiness: Managing Your Expectations [S6.E65]

Greg and Ed discuss how to manage your expectations in Thailand as a strategy for surviving and thriving in the Land of Smiles, or indeed, as an expat anywhere outside of your comfort zone. Ed explains that in giving advice to a recent arrival, he emphasized being smart about what to expect. Instead of trying to change Thailand to something familiar or to get it to fit some previously determined standard, it's better to simply appreciate what Thai people are good at and accept what they are not good at.

The guys then talk about the dangerous trap of merely LOWERING your expectations and just assuming everything is worse in Thailand. They then run through numerous examples of things better here than where they are from back home: food in general, public transportation, electronic banking, etc. 'Managing your expectations' undoubtedly works in both directions.

Ed then brings up the realization that sometimes Thais simply have a different interpretation of something we all value, such as 'customer service.' Back home, it implies competence and efficiency, but to Thais it means attention and a sincere desire to help. Sure you may prefer the back home version, but the smart thing is to appreciate what the Thai concept brings to the table.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Episoder(562)

Greg & Ed Discuss Ed's Big Thailand Quiz [S8.E31]

Greg & Ed Discuss Ed's Big Thailand Quiz [S8.E31]

In a followup to a recent episode, Greg and Ed walk through the entire 'Facts About Thailand' quiz that Ed gave his Thai Society students. It's a broad test of Thailand - geography, history, politics,...

10 Feb 41min

Dreamster's Mario Butler on Thai Music and New Creative Frontiers [S8.E30]

Dreamster's Mario Butler on Thai Music and New Creative Frontiers [S8.E30]

Greg interviews Mario Butler of Dreamster.io, a platform that allows musicians to connect directly with their audience, and fans to own the music they buy, not just rent. Greg begins by asking about M...

3 Feb 55min

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [S8.E29] (Classic ReCast)

Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair [S8.E29] (Classic ReCast)

Another classic recast! One of the craziest stories from recent Thai history. Continuing our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, I...

27 Jan 29min

From NGOs to Employment Coaching: Helping Thais Find Their Purpose [S8.E28]

From NGOs to Employment Coaching: Helping Thais Find Their Purpose [S8.E28]

Ed interviews Thanita 'Ninar' Wongprasert, an old student of his and former guest on the show in 2018. On the earlier show she came on to talk about gay rights and same sex marriage in Thailand, and t...

21 Jan 44min

Ed Ponders a New Class: Teaching Contemporary Thailand to Thais [S8.E27]

Ed Ponders a New Class: Teaching Contemporary Thailand to Thais [S8.E27]

Greg and Ed discuss Ed's new class at his Thai university: "Contemporary Thai Society in the Modern World." The guys have a laugh at the thought of a white guy from Ohio teaching young Thais about the...

13 Jan 43min

Beer & Politics: Catching Up With MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn [S8.E26]

Beer & Politics: Catching Up With MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn [S8.E26]

Greg and Ed interview Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Thai Member of Parliament known for his advocacy in liberalizing Thailand's craft beer industry. The conversation takes place shortly after the dissolu...

6 Jan 47min

Frenemies: The Long History Between Thailand & Cambodia [S8.E25]

Frenemies: The Long History Between Thailand & Cambodia [S8.E25]

Greg and Ed discuss the long, strange and complex history between Thailand and Cambodia in an attempt to shed some light on the tragic current conflict. Greg begins with some early history. The majori...

16 Des 202551min

What Changes Would Greg Make if He Was in Charge of Bangkok? [S8.E24]

What Changes Would Greg Make if He Was in Charge of Bangkok? [S8.E24]

On this show, Greg and Ed discuss what Greg would do if he was the boss man in charge of Thailand, echoing a similar show with Ed's plans earlier in the year. (Check out Season 7, Episode 54 if you ar...

9 Des 202534min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
min-barneoppdragelse
grenselos
wolfgang-wee-uncut
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
synnve-og-vanessa
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-dannet-uten-piano
frokostshowet-pa-p5
fladseth
alt-fortalt
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem