Cultural Misunderstanding?

[Loki]

Ummm, no.... for SGT, I think in the confines of a bunch of older dudes debating gogo bar drink prices and appropriate off fees for hookers. That type of thing is "inside the box", because that's generally all you people talk about. I guess there's the seldom post about Yupin's and their 5 day old day turkeys they sell, but that's pretty much it.\

Outside of the box would have been my previous life in Khon Kaen, where I did actually experience Thailand outside of the bars and tourist
vacations. Most people on the other hand simply view Thailand as a place to get cheap and uneducated ass, but tittle do they know, Asia is taking over, and quickly.

In your previous life in Khon Kaen, apart from the bars and sex tourists, did you feel you'd become so integrated with the culture, that no cultural misunderstandings arose?

[Loki]

Maybe he meant expat gogo bar community.

The kind that frequent gogo bars and have regular get-togethers over a meatloaf?

You're no doubt correct about the "bar" community. Guess I need a Matt translator !

[cdnmatt]

In your previous life in Khon Kaen, apart from the bars and sex tourists, did you feel you'd become so integrated with the culture, that no cultural misunderstandings arose?

Well, of course cultural misunderstandings arose. I'm not arrogant enough to think I fully understand Thai culture and Buddhism. Nothing that really ever caused much of a problem though, because as it turns out, Thai people were able to tell I'm not Thai, hence give me leeway.

However, I am quite confident I understand the culture quite a bit better than most people on this forum.

Why do you think Leo and myself worked out so well? I was capable of empathizing with him, and understand where he's coming from.

[francois]

Why do you think Leo and myself worked out so well? I was capable of empathizing with him, and understand where he's coming from.

Really? Some of your posts indicate quite the difference.

[Loki]

Well, of course cultural misunderstandings arose. I'm not arrogant enough to think I fully understand Thai culture and Buddhism. Nothing that really ever caused much of a problem though, because as it turns out, Thai people were able to tell I'm not Thai, hence give me leeway.

However, I am quite confident I understand the culture quite a bit better than most people on this forum.

Why do you think Leo and myself worked out so well? I was capable of empathizing with him, and understand where he's coming from.

Can you recall any amusing events, brought about by cultural misunderstandings between you and Leo?
Is your passport dilemma situation improving... how long before you'll be able to return to SE Asia?

[Loki]

Cultural misunderstanding?

When we make an appointment in the West, we mean "estimated time of arrival", whereas in Thailand, the given time is understand as "estimated time of departure".

Christianpfc, have you found the above to be true in social meetings only, or in both social and business meetings?
I would imagine business would require punctuality.

[cdnmatt]

Can you recall any amusing events, brought about by cultural misunderstandings between you and Leo?
Is your passport dilemma situation improving... how long before you'll be able to return to SE Asia?

Cultural differences between Leo and myself? Not really, to be honest. Once we met I had already lived in Thailand for 6 years, so could speak Thai with him, knew exactly what village life as a rice farmer was like, had a decent understanding of family life and obligations, the precepts of Buddhism, the Buddhist holidays / festivals, etc. If anything, I would say it took more effort to make him realize I understood his world view than to actually understand it. Plus he's a pretty open minded and independent individual who is open to learning, so that naturally helped.

As for cultural differences in general? Again, I'd say the largest one is getting over the fact I no longer have privacy, and when people stop me on the street and begin asking questions, not to feel as though they're interrogating me. Instead, realize they're just playing their small role in taking care of the community and ensuring I don't need any help, and everything stays safe and peaceful, etc.
n
The other would have been several times trying to offer money to people after they helped me out. For a good while after going blind I would push my boundaries and limitations a little more than I should thinking I could do it on my own, only to get lost and disorientated. Some random stranger would always help me out, and I'd offer money, and most times they would either scowl at me, or very reluctantly take it. Upon getting home and telling Leo the story, he'd always get pissed off at me, and tell me to never offer money like that again because it's extremely rude, and if someone helps, it's just because they want to help.

I guess cooking was maybe another one, but that was easy to solve. Just put chilli paste in everything, and it magically turns delicious in his eyes.

[Loki]

Matt, thanks for your insights.
Your reverence for Thai culture and Buddhism distinguishes you from the average farang visiting Thailand.
I hope your passport problems are solved quickly, so you can get back home and resume your life with Leo.
Any update on your passport renewal?

[cdnmatt]

Any update on your passport renewal?

I have no idea, and don't want to think about it. Right now, I need to concentrate on work.

Both of us are in a pretty bad spot right now, and I'm uncertain if we'll be able to pull ourselves out, and even get back together again. It's not that we don't love each other or anything, but just everything is a mess at the moment.

This would be a lot easier if I could just fucken see again, but that's not going to happen, so....

[scottish-guy]

... Some random stranger would always help me out, and I'd offer money, and most times they would either scowl at me, or....

I know how this is going to go - it's just a matter of who jumps in first