About Thailand - Briefly

Whether living in Thailand or traveling extensively the Kingdom is mostly about people. Your reaction to the locals and how they treat you is extremely important for traveler and expat alike. Living here is not for everyone. Thailand will undoubtedly frustrate you from time to time. And, assuming that you're fairly normal, the kingdom will also intrigue and entrance you. Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city and your first impression of Thailand. Depending on your leanings, Bangkok can be hedonistic, frenetic and overpowering. Some folks don't like the smells of Bangkok. The traffic overwhelms others. Most everyone will run headlong into a language barrier. Fortunately, quite a number of Bangkokians speak English.

Bangkok, as all of Thailand, has layers. Time and perseverance will help you peel back those layers. Each new layer will bring you closer to the "natural" thailand. But each new revelation can bring agony or ecstasy. Learning as much of the language as possible will make most things easier. And it's a good idea to start with the Thai alphabet.

Early on, learn the basics of Thai manners.

• Never speak ill of Thai monarchy
• Don't raise your voice
• Smile a lot .. or look inscrutable
• Never touch a Thai woman unless invited to do so
• Don't touch a Thai on the head, especially a man
• Learn to wai properly .. and when not to wai
• Learn a few basic Thai phrases
• Don't point directly at someone
• and many more

Thailand has negatives for most westerners. Bureaucracy can vary from tedious to overwhelming. You will be a guest here. That means that, generally speaking, you:

• Cannot work without a permit
• Will not be allowed to work in certain professions & trades
• Cannot own land in your own name
• Will often be subjected to "double pricing"
• Must maintain a visa status with periodic rules changes