Jul 5, 2012
When is friendly too friendly?
I find Thai people very friendly; however I have heard some scary stories from ‘farrang’ expats on if you happen to have a run in with a Thai person. But fortunately, we like Thai people are generally very happy smiley people and have been able to really enjoy the lovely side of Thai people, Thai culture and hospitality.
I think it may possibly be going a bit too far when they just wonder into your house though? Tom and I ordered a mattress topper for our cheap and nasty mattress. We were told it was being delivered at 4pm, so at 2pm we were taking a little break from the heat and resting under the air con. Tom decided he was thirsty so wondered through to the kitchen in his pants to find a rather cherpy Thai chap heading towards our bedroom. In surprise Tom said “Oh hello are you delivering the mattress?” Tom darted back into the bedroom to put on some trousers and at the same time was trying to tell the man to wait and stop trying to enter our bedroom whilst he put some clothes, on! With one hand on the door and one hand on his shorts it was a bit tricky; I could only roll about the bed giggling!
So failing to hold him off any longer he was in our bedroom trying to place the mattress topper on the bed before I’d even finished taking the sheets off, but according to him it was OK because he loved English football! I really love Thai people; however would it be prudent to say I don’t want to have them in my bedroom uninvited?
I really do enjoy the sincerity of the friendliness and openness of Thai people. They smile a lot, but it is sincere unlike at times in the UK. Even if there are communication barriers, my Thai only extends to ordering dinner and many Thai people don’t speak much English, but they always try to help you out if they can. I really like this quality and hope to always tried to extend this to people I meet in the UK, as I think we could be better at helping people out in the UK and our foreign cousins show us up with their hospitality!
I also don’t think Thai people are always trying to rip you off like in similar neighbouring countries. The main culprits of that here are the taxi drivers and I have the same issues with trying to take a taxi in Leeds city centre, it is the same the world over, so never base you observations on what taxi drivers are doing. In Koh Samui the taxi drivers tell you not to wear your seat belt as they drive so safe, however one person a day dies in traffic accidents on the island and they all drive like complete and utter maniacs! So I’m not taking my chances!
Love Thailand, love Thai people, love Koh Samui, it’s all smiles!
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