Portable Zip Codes for Thailand

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Popularity: 17% [?]

A Thai Girls Reverse Culture Shock

Today while out teaching Golf how to drive she made a comment about how she can’t wait to see what it will be like when I have to deal with the culture shock of moving to Thailand.  Certainly as a Thai girl in America she has done a great job adjusting to the differences in culture, food and weather and she wants to see how I will adjust when the shoe is on the other foot.

Of course that made her think too about the things SHE will need to adjust back to when we move to Thailand.  It will be reverse culture shock for her and I can relate, because I know several weeks away from the U.S. will have me questioning what should be normal daily events.

So, what is it about Thailand that a Thai girl doesn’t look forward to going back to?

• No returns on merchandise at many places.
• Not allowed to try clothes on at many of the marketplace sellers.
• Getting “Bangkok stomach” from some of the food stalls
• Bangkok traffic
• “Thai time” - This refers to the fact that Thai’s are notoriously late for everything.  Just like they are working on a different clock than you and I.  If a Thai tells you something will be 15 minutes be prepared to wait for up to an hour.  And don’t ever expect someone to meet you at the time specified, it just won’t happen.
• Customer service that tries to help, but seems always to be unable to for one reason or another.
• Making far less money than here in the U.S.
• Corrupt politicians and police
• Bangkok traffic - if you’ve been to Bangkok you know that it was worth repeating

Huh, look at that.  Seems it is pretty much the same things a lot of westerners complain about when they move to or visit Thailand.  Of course Golf may not be completely representative of the average Thai, after all she did marry a farang and move away from Thailand.  I think it’s fair to say that her opinion matches with many of the younger educated Thai’s though.

What is it about Thailand that makes you crazy, angry or just downright frustrated?

Popularity: 11% [?]

Thailand Musings Future Plans

I started Thailand Musings a little less than 6 months ago as something of a hobby site. I just wanted to share my own love and passion for a country that I have been visiting for 10 years and have come to think of as a second home. I know that the Kingdom has so many different things to offer people and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences.

Since then I am seeing the blog growing and I want to devote more of my time to not only growing the blog, but also fostering a sense of community among the readers. I have seen my subscribers growing and I want to thank all of you that have already subscribed, you are my loyal readers.

As I focus more on this blog I’m planning some big things in 2008. First off we’ll be changing our look here. I am shopping for a new theme that I hope will make the blog more presentable and easier to read. Soon you’ll be able to find Thailand videos here as I expand the blog. There is a contest on the way next month and I am also developing another Thailand themed site at Golf’s request. If you’ve been thinking about subscribing why not subscribe now either by feed or by email.

Today I created accounts at all of the major social networking sites (Facebook, Hi5, MySpace, Friendster and Tagged) and I would love to see you there as my friends. You can find the links on out contact page, but please excuse the beginner profiles. I am in the process of fleshing them out. There is even a Thailand Musings Group now on Hi5. Don’t be a stranger, come join us.

I’m also planning a weekly roundup starting next week so you’ll be able to find links to some great Thailand stories and content outside the blog. If you’re a fan of Thailand like I am this will make it easier for you to find new and interesting stories, blogs and websites. I’m also open to new ideas, so if there’s something you’d like to see here let me know one way or another, either through our contact form or at one of the social sites.

I just wanted to let you all know how committed I am to Thailand Musings and to take this opportunity to join me. I can do all the writing (or you can write too), but it is the community that will make Thailand Musing most successful. So help us out and subscribe to the blog, leave your comments, let us know if you have ideas and join us at the social site of your choice.

Thanks again to all the current and future subscribers. I’m looking forward to the rest of 2008 and with your help Thailand Musings will shine and become a great resource for everyone interested in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Welcome to This is Thailand

My latest entry to the blogroll is a fairly new Thailand site called This is Thailand (I love the url) and authored by an American who is splitting his time between the U.S. and Thailand.  Go ahead over and say “hi” if you don’t mind registering first.  I must admit I haven’t commented there yet (are you reading this Bruce?) because of the need to register before you can comment.  Yes I admit it I’m lazy that way.

I was found by him rather than the other way around and I’m glad he did find me because I’ve been enjoying reading his almost daily posts detailing his experiences in Bangkok.  The tone is light and friendly and the posts are an easy read and (for me at least) a short getaway from life here in the U.S.

Recent posts have talked about cabbies in Bangkok, a night in Pattaya (no bargirls), and several posts about the service levels in Thailand.  You can tell that he loves living in bangkok and even when frustrated is able to maintain a degree of patience and understanding for the Thai culture.

One thing that is noticeably absent from This is Thailand is any mention of prostitutes, bargirls or katoeys and for that I applaud.  Lord knows there is plenty of that type of thing already available and I don’t think another blog about sex tourism in Thailand will help anyone, least of all the Thai’s.

The site is obviously growing and his blogroll has grown in the past few weeks from 4 sites to the current 50+ sites.  You’ve been a busy guy trading links!  What I really like about the blogroll he has is that it is divided into subject areas.  I rarely see that and I think it is a huge help to the readers.  In fact, maybe I should take a hint

So, if you love Thailand and need a daily fix of expat news and opinions head on over to This is Thailand and say Steve from Thailand Musing sent you.

Popularity: 28% [?]

10 Things I Miss About Thailand

On this cold and snowy winter day here in the U.S. I thought I would share with you 10 things I miss about Thailand. Typically a few of these things will enter my head at any time, but when the weather is like this they seem to be a constant in my thoughts. This list is by no means comprehensive and I’d love to hear about the things all of you miss from Thailand.

1. Obviously the heat and humidity. Call me crazy, but I love it
2. Being able to get a great cheap meal from a street vendor within minutes no matter where I am
3. Thai women wai’ing. Just something so sexy about them when they do that.
4. The crazy cabs that have that kinda incense smell and the white dots all over the ceilings.
5. The beaches and crystal clear water.
6. Thai smiles. They don’t call it the Land of Smiles for nothing.
7. Outdoor beer bars.
8. Black Canyon coffee and Roti Boy
9. Songkran Festival. I know it’s just once a year, but it is the best holiday celebration I’ve ever experienced anywhere.
10. Bargaining when I buy something.

So, those are 10 things I miss right now from Thailand. What about all of you, what do you miss from Thailand? Or if you’re living in Thailand what do you miss from your home countries? Please don’t tell me snow

Popularity: 7% [?]

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