Are Thai People Curious? 

Perhaps it's part of the beauty of Thailand, I found that accepting it their way makes like a lot easier.

Thais learn by rote and therefore for the most part they haven't learnt the art of thinking for themselves. That just suits the government, no need for savvy citizens asking too many questions now is there..................But there is also the foreigner aspect which you touched on. If one is a young handsome one, then an element of curiosity with underlying intentions might be the reason to be inquisitive but for most foreigners, they are tolerated but locals have absolutely no interest in anything about them whatsoever.

Here 17 years, and this (everything you covered here) is still jarring on an almost daily basis. Thank you for speaking frankly, much appreciated, bring some sense of peace and confirmation into my very lonely life in rural Issan. ♡♡♡

Hi Dave thanks for the video. I used to subscribe to your old channel. I came across this channel accidentally but I have now subscribed. I am watching your new videos and going through the old ones. Keep up the good work, I find the videos interesting and sometimes amusing like the "Am I invisible" video. Cheers.

Absolutely true. I try to get my stepson to ask questions ... just doesn't work. I said to him why is the sky blue? Just a blank look

Because since they are small children they have been discourage to ask questions within the family or/and their school. Their parents were educated under that system, their grandparents, and on on. Also, their teacher's parents.

A mate of mine who lives in Thailand dated quite a few Thai women but ended marrying a Filipino girl , He said to me the thing he found most attractive about her after dating Thai girls , they actually had what seemed like normal conversations

It seems the same in all Asian countries Dave. It comes across as a lack of interest, but maybe it's just an acceptance of all others & their freedom. Which has got to be a good thing. The opposite can be the case in some Western countries, abit like people asking questions that's non of their business. I think it's frustrating for genuinely friendly people like you, but I wouldn't take it personally. The daughters mum might have been interesting to talk with, next time hey 😀

I know I'm thai-curious... lol

That "daughter" could have been a ladyboy, for all we know, just saying...

Most Asian countries I have visited and lived in the locals are not that curious as to your previous life styles and where you lived... They seem more interested in their daily life and what's immediately in front of them for tomorrow...

Hi Dave. This is one of my biggest frustration with my Thai girlfriend! The call would be initiated by her but I'll do all the asking to keep the conversation flowing. Why does she call me if she's not curious about me? Sometimes we'd get into an argument because I'll ask a question that is considered harmless in the western culture but is intrusive in Thai culture. For example, I once asked her a harmless question about her EX and suddently she became angry! She told me that it was private and I should not ask about him unless we were married. Thai people will not ask questions that they consider intrusive about your personal life but rather you will be asked inane questions like HOW ARE YOU? HAVE YOU EATEN YET?

Yep, when I ask my Thai wife did you tell them what we did, did you ask them what did they say, usually the answer is I didnt ask, I didnt say.

Thumbs up 👍 I’ve noticed that myself…..I guess we’re just nosy people 555

Thumbs up 👍 you do your best to speak Thai I'm very proud of you as an Englishman to an Irishman. I think ignorance has got something to do with no money I'll catch up with you later but if you have money you have got no ignorance because everybody will be after you

I agree, but would say that there are a few Thais with great curiosity and critical thinking, however they're few and far between. IMO I think there's a combination of reasons. Apart from the lack of critical thinking that comes from them not being taught that in their "Read and Repeat" education system, it also comes from the necessity to concentrate upon their daily life, earning enough money to live at a level where they're not always on the back foot and can save a little for the next problem life throws at them. Also part of it comes from the "Face" problem that Thailand and many other Asian countries suffer from. Often they're unnecessarily embarrassed that they know so little about anything outside their immediate circle. Women appear to have less of an issue with losing face and are therefore more willing to chat, even ask the odd question, but most Thai men are almost suffocated by the thought of losing face, so they won't put themselves in that position if at all possible (unless alcohol is involved). Years ago I was talking to a cashier at a bar in PatPong and she was very curious and quite knowledgeable about the world (and wasn't just looking for a 'customer'), but she's one of the few.

From a different perspective. I’m a Thai person that has spent most of my life in the West. English is my first language just to give you a better idea. Started in the US and now in Europe. I can think as a farang (first) & Thai. If I were to walk around any city in Europe asking random people questions about their life in Thai, I can positively say their reaction would not be nice. Would probably get a nice big ‘F off!’ A blade in my gut if it were in London so I don’t really know where you’re coming from? Maybe you need to get your farang hat off and learn more Thai if you want better rapport with the locals. Why do you expect them to be able to converse with you in English straight off the bat? A factor to consider is many Thais knowledge of spoken English. It’s limited or not used often if they don’t deal with farangs on a regular basis. My Thai friends in Thailand try their best to avoid interactions with random farangs due to the fact that they can’t have deep conversations with them. Their vocab is limited or they cannot think in English fast enough for a good response which they’re very conscious of. Another thing I often hear is some farangs get bitchy/rude when they don’t phrase or pronounce English words correctly so it’s easier to just avoid them completely. Lastly, you guys don’t have a good reputation amongst Thais. ESPECIALLY the old ones that say they live in Pattaya. I know this thinking is outdated but it is what it is. I think you creeped those girls out going by their body language. My advice, learn Thai if you want a good conversation in Thailand with a Thai person. I had to learn German when I lived/worked in Germany. Expecting everyone to be able to speak to you in English is just plain…. Korb khun krap

I enjoy AOD, it is great information in a simple way, My type of Thailand is where you do your shows from and I love it. We return to Thailand in the near future for I hope a 3 month stay, we will be based in Nonthunburi in a very quiet as they say village, we call it a suburb, I could live there permanently, my way of life, no glitz, no glamour.

All woman are curious all countrys 😂😂

So my question is what do Thais talk about with each other? I mean they do have conversations, but what do they talk about? As far as small talk....I'm not a big fan of it, it feels too forced to me. Asking a stranger "how are you?" Is considered polite here in western culture, but honestly I couldn't give a sh@& how someone is unless I know them. But in western culture, engaging in small talk is considered "normal " but I find it a waste of time. Well, not a waste of time, but pointless unless you really want to get to know someone. But most people you encounter during a day, saying "hi" is about as far as I ever go as far as small talk, and even then, I wouldn't expect a "hi" back, but most people do say "hi", but only because it's polite, not because they want to have a conversation. Just my thoughts on it.

I'm also married to a Thai, in the 14 years I've known them, they haven't asked much about what I do either, they know I live in Denmark, but rather a lot more... my Thai is just 0 and they I don't snore in English, so there is a problem with self-indulgence .. so my wife above sets for me, so there is so much I want to ask them about, so it's uphill when you can't speak Tai

Being nosy is a bad thing for thai people so they don’t keep asking people if they don’t need to as long as your business is not effect them in a bad way they don’t mind asking, that’s mean they try to be polite to you. Not just stupid people being ignorant cause the lack of education or something. oh language barrier is one of the condition to but they are Thai who could blame them though.

If a guy my age were to approach a 15-16 years old high school girl on the street like that, the mob would have stomped the crap out of me before handing me over to the police.

Really enjoy your videos, I used to stay in Sutthisan often as a relative had a condo in the area. Its great to see the place as you walk around, it brings back lots of memories. I would be interested in your take on the Thai education system both the international schools and the local ones, do you think the schools foster a lack of curiosity . Keep up the good work, and Happy New Year.

I 100% concure. The lack of interest drives drives me insain. Its a major roadblock to creating and having any meaningful conversations. I live in Australia with my wife and half 7 yr old thai son. I sometimes have a points competition with my son whereby i award him points for saying hello to strangers and engaging in small talk as we walk around together.

It's that learning by rote, it just doesn't seem to occur to them to ask questions. Probably suits the government just fine thanks 😊.

When I saw the title of the video I didn't expect it to be as good as that. Great work keep it up Dave 👍