June 6th, 2009, 09:51
I'm normally a dour looking person. I have frightening "angry Spanish" eyes that tends to put people off even though I'm not intending anything "Jahid-istic".
But I've found when I come to Thailand I smile a lot more...inspite of myself.
After my "mother-in-law" asked ladyboyfriend why I don't smile and if I "think too much" I've made an extra effort to show my true feelings on my face. Difficult for the button-down face of the button-down mind.
But I have noticed....when the beach vendors see a new target on the beach and congregate a simple "mai, kapkun khrap" and a smile is enough to make them pass on by and not bother you anymore. It works on all kinds of Thais - waitstaff in restraunts, bar boys, mamasans.
And even on the dreaded policeman or immigration official.
I swear that immigration orders its employees NOT to crack a smile no matter what.
Much like US Customs.
But I've found that a "Kapkun khrap" followed by a smile is enough to melt the heart the most dour immigration official and cause at least a crack of a half smile and "khrap" in response.
Try playing the game the Thai way.
Just a stray thought..... :flower:
But I've found when I come to Thailand I smile a lot more...inspite of myself.
After my "mother-in-law" asked ladyboyfriend why I don't smile and if I "think too much" I've made an extra effort to show my true feelings on my face. Difficult for the button-down face of the button-down mind.
But I have noticed....when the beach vendors see a new target on the beach and congregate a simple "mai, kapkun khrap" and a smile is enough to make them pass on by and not bother you anymore. It works on all kinds of Thais - waitstaff in restraunts, bar boys, mamasans.
And even on the dreaded policeman or immigration official.
I swear that immigration orders its employees NOT to crack a smile no matter what.
Much like US Customs.
But I've found that a "Kapkun khrap" followed by a smile is enough to melt the heart the most dour immigration official and cause at least a crack of a half smile and "khrap" in response.
Try playing the game the Thai way.
Just a stray thought..... :flower: