How to Survive in Thailand: The Culture of Saving Face

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🌏 Join us in this enlightening RU-vid interview with Paul, a seasoned expatriate who has called Thailand home for an impressive 38 years! Paul brings a wealth of experience and insights into the challenges faced by expats living in the Land of Smiles and shares his key to finding true happiness amidst the cultural nuances.
🧠 In this thought-provoking conversation, Paul delves into the intricacies of the Thai psyche, shedding light on why many expats may find themselves frustrated. He explores the unique aspects of the Thai education system and how it shapes critical thinking in the local context. Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural phenomenon of 'saving face' in Thailand, as Paul discusses its impact on interpersonal relationships and the expatriate experience.
💬 Learn about the importance of embracing the local culture, developing cultural intelligence, and navigating the challenges with an open mind. Discover practical tips on integrating into Thai society, fostering meaningful connections, and ultimately thriving in this beautiful and diverse country.
🔑 Whether you're a seasoned expat, a prospective resident, or simply curious about life in Thailand, this interview with Paul is a must-watch! Don't miss the opportunity to gain insights that will not only enhance your experience as a foreigner in Thailand but also contribute to a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Thai culture. #expatlife #thailand #movingtothailand
Subscribe to our channel: ‪@ThairishTimes‬
Help support our channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/thairish
Links to Pauls Books:
The Essential Expat's Guide To Living in Thailand: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00T1VJKLY
A Wanderer's Words: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YRT5F59
00:00 intro
01:22 The problems with Thai education
05:49 Teaching my wife to think critically
08:43 the culture of saving face in Thailand
13:43 East V's West
16:10 Advice for foreigners moving to Thailand

Опубликовано:

23 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 328

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Links to Pauls Books: The Essential Expat's Guide To Living in Thailand: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00T1VJKLY A Wanderer's Words: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09YRT5F59

@willywonka324 5 месяцев назад

@gaweedwen not the same guy, let's look at the facts. Bangkok Girl was released in 2005. The guy featured there is about 35 give or take, which means now he's 54 give or take. Paul is 70 years old. The timeline is way off so definitely not him by a country mile

@gst6905 7 месяцев назад

Paul is such an interesting character and an excellent communicator. Another great interview and story.

@Simon-vt1zp 7 месяцев назад

I would rather here a well told entertaining made up story , rather than a boring true one any day.

@Wonderwall36 7 месяцев назад

Yes, excellent communicator, always fascinating listening to his interviews...

@endaodonnell 5 месяцев назад

I never comment but this guy is very clear and sees things clearly

@kathyhirsch379 4 месяца назад

Critical thinking gone from a long time ego there is no kritical thinking animore you should see what the kids learning, the government want the people to do as you told we seen this the last 3 years

@dreamchaser2521 7 месяцев назад

Mr Paul has a lot of knowledge and wisdom to share. I truly enjoyed his interview. Please bring him back.

@anglosaxon3512 4 месяца назад

Paul is one of the few people I ve listened to who can talk for an hour and you wouldn’t press pause. He has a great delivery of a subject. The local English speaking radio station should sign him up as a story teller.

@TheColossalBlanket 7 месяцев назад

I would say the thing that's always missing from these types of conversations, not that I disagree with Paul, and that's the impact of Buddhism. It's obviously such a fundamental aspect of Thai society. What's one of Buddhism's core teaching? It's the nature of impermanence. So, if everything is imperemant, constantly changing then how can you plan realistically for anything? You can do all the planning you like but you'll always fail to factor in the pavement being too high and you tripping over it and twisting your ankle. Then of course there's dharma, the flow of everything, if it's all a flow than just go with it. Fighting against it only leads to to stress. I see Buddhist influences on Thai attitudes to life everywhere in Thailand. and I find it fascinating. As a westerner who doesn't factor Buddhism's impact on Thai culture it can be frustrating and mind boggling. I am very far from being an expert in Buddhism but having the basic understanding that I have of it really helps.

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Really cool, thanks for sharing

@jefflinton 7 месяцев назад

Thais follow their own customised version of Buddhism.Then again so do Laotian, Cambodian and Burmese. It's all about living in the moment and if that makes you happy it's better than any IQ

@TheColossalBlanket 7 месяцев назад

@@jefflinton yes, it's the theravada school that predominates in this region but that central live in the moment is the common thread in bhuddism.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Buddhism makes the people the warm way they are, without doubt.

@senianns9522 7 месяцев назад

Total control! Subservience and wai-ing stones!

@jimmyboysmovies1972 7 месяцев назад

Paul has a lot of experience and knowledge of Thailand . What he says is an interesting and he is a character too. Looking forward to seeing more of him. Nice one Pete 👏👏👏

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Thank you Sir!

@th33399 7 месяцев назад

I'm planning on leaving Thailand in January next year after 10 years of living here. Had my ups and downs. I 100% agree that Thai people do a lot of things better than my homeland - England. In my opinion and based on my personal experience, the hardest thing for me has always been their inability to think critically and also their inability to read situations and foresee what is going to happen. This makes relationships with Thai women incredibly frustrating.I also feel that because of face culture and other cultural nuances it's very difficult to have a sincere conversation with a Thai person in day to day life, particularly with Thai's you work with. It's all very surface level and it isn't good for your mental health in the long run. I would say that if you're easy going and aren't in your head too much, Thailand is the place for you. Personally, I just feel like my time here is done. I have other little niggles too i.e road safety but when I weigh everything up, it's been a good experience.

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Best of luck with whatever lies ahead buddy. If you ever want to share your story on the channel send me an email thairishtimes@gmail.com

@MsSjaakvaak 7 месяцев назад

That's a really interesting perspective. Being a in your head person, don't you feel there's a lot to learn from the easy going Thai's? And do you feel neighbouring countries have similar mindsets? (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and perhaps Indonesia)

@jpants5144 7 месяцев назад

Youll be back when u see the state of uk

@th33399 7 месяцев назад

@@jpants5144I'm not going back to the UK.

@th33399 7 месяцев назад

@@ThairishTimesok bud. I'll think about it 👍. Cheers. Your channel is great btw

@richardevans3801 7 месяцев назад

I always enjoy listening to Paul. I know people in Australia who always say next time you go we'll go together. They wouldn't like it and they wouldn't understand how Thailand works. I never tell them when I'm going. Bad memory sometimes 😂

@mancello 7 месяцев назад

He has a lot of wisdom. Good interview.

@brucewayne2773 7 месяцев назад

Never a dull moment with the Legend, Mr. Paul Wallis . I could just watch him smoke and enjoy it. His facial character is so unique 👍

@MarkDay. 7 месяцев назад

Love listening to Paul's interviews, keep them coming Pete 😊

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Cheers Mark, I hope you're well mate

@djm8027 7 месяцев назад

What has always amazed me is the difference in social skills and communication. They talk about others things that always surprises me , example: my Thai wife had a friend who recently spent 2 months in England and on her return was speaking to my wife for a couple of hours , after the phone call i asked my wife how her friend enjoyed the UK and she said she never mentioned it , Im thinking how did it not come up ? What the hell did you talk about for that long and not mention it ?

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

that's mental!

@michellebaresic3829 5 месяцев назад

Thats a void of monumental proportion.

@UMingLee 7 месяцев назад

Great interview. Paul clearly has some deep perspectives of life in Thailand coming from his many years of experience living there. Coming from one of Thailand's neighbours, I'd say one mistake many farang make is they assume that Thailand (or Southeast Asia) is mostly a "less-developed version of the West." But it isn't. Most of Southeast Asia may have the trappings of modern democracies including parliaments and elections, but at their heart, they're still neo-feudal states ruled by traditional elite classes and enabled by entrenched family businesses. Critical thinking in these societies is actively discouraged. Too much critical thinking means that your Isaan farmer or construction worker might start questioning whether he really wants to live the rest of his life in backbreaking physical labour. He could forget his place. He might start thinking that he's "above" bowing and kneeling to his village headman. A little critical thinking is OK, it allows for the development of a semi-skilled worker class who can help modernise the businesses of the moneyed elite. But best to keep that critical thinking confined to a limited sliver of the urban middle-class. Too much of it means shaking the foundations of society.

@jefflinton 7 месяцев назад

Myanmar is basically a collection of states/provinces. Thailand is similar but with a monarchy.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

agree 100% sir!

@JeddieT 7 месяцев назад

Nicely said.

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

Exactly! Which is why they cracked down so hard on the students protesting the Royal family …

@Sa7biUK 6 месяцев назад

You also explained Pakistan, and Morocco. Same setup and a lack of critical thinking unless you won the birth lottery and were born into the 1% who sent you to private schools/lycees with the English/French education system

@jimsinthailand 7 месяцев назад

I've been living in Chiang Mai for the past 7 years. Married to a Thai. If you want to see a lack of critical thinking, just drive a car around... you will see all you need to know about their ability to think critically (generally).

@bunnystrasse 7 месяцев назад

How? Tell me more

@domi9577 7 месяцев назад

@@bunnystrassemany don't consider the consequences of their compulsive reckless actions. When driving in Thailand it is necessary to always be highly alert. You have to think about your own actions and try to predict the actions of those around you, because you can never know what danger is about to confront you

@Kevin-sr2ys 7 месяцев назад

@@domi9577that's similar situation u have to confront in china😂

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

@@domi9577 That’s how you should approach driving anywhere, especially riding a motorbike, which I’ve done plenty in Oz and Thailand, and never had an issue with riding in the Kingdom …

@domi9577 7 месяцев назад

@@ma3stro681 my 30 years of incident-free driving in the UK never required 1/4 of the constant concentration required to cope with Thailand's idiotic drivers and the numerous near misses ive had in five years

@majorkade 7 месяцев назад

We need a lot more critical thinking in the States, too. Good god.

@cstevenson5256 6 месяцев назад

Not really, we need more voices heard. We are only hearing the fringe, and we are hearing them to often. To illustrate. AI will map perspectives and feed back popular answers. Provlem is garbage in, garbage out. You can critically think, but if proceed from false premises get poor solutions.

@Patricksstealthvanlife 7 месяцев назад

A very brave and honest expose of an expats view of Thailand. Apparently while English is taught in some schools , comprehension of it is not; which is akin to learning to ride a bike without its wheels. Gross generalisations can apply to every race. Loosing face in London can lead to a broken nose at times. Much depends on what you want in a foreign land and I guess what you have to give. Fundamentally it's important to be yourself. When " yourself "is suppressed because of cultural codes things can get difficult. Keep learning is the key. Great interview both of you. Extremely helpful.

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

Losing face can loosen one’s face … 😉

@marshalmichael129 7 месяцев назад

Very interesting perspective on the Thai education system. Being married to a former Thai teacher, I can appreciate the concept of critical thinking and it's wide ranging effect on Thai society. Great video!

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Thank you sir!

@Zabel72 7 месяцев назад

Really good one. I love Paul And his wisdom/insight🙏

@Tomwenn 4 месяца назад

I've just realised my Thai partner doesn't have critical thinking skills or the ability to plan, despite being university educated. This is a very insightful analysis.

@TROdesigns 4 месяца назад

My Thai gf was very irritated when I suggested checking the ETA on Google maps so she could arrive on time. Very capable girl but hated actively planning

@benjet3494 3 месяца назад

@@TROdesignsplanning is not necessarily equivalent to having "critical thinking"... and vice-versa

@stephencirving 2 месяца назад

No women do. The reason they make the schools about memory is women have better memory. Is commonplace in all feminine-run societies. Australia, canada etc. He gets ‘people in the west’ confused with ‘men’.

@HairyPixels Месяц назад

LOL

@_Alfa.Bravo_ 7 месяцев назад

15 inch of snow outside ... so good to stay inside and watch another great video from you !!! Thanks a lot !!!

@ms_gk 7 месяцев назад

Where is 15 inches of snow?

@_Alfa.Bravo_ 7 месяцев назад

@@ms_gk Bavaria , Germany and minus 14°C at night. Airport Munich cancelled 100 flights

@ms_gk 7 месяцев назад

@_Alfa.Bravo_ okay, thanks. Nothing here in Toronto and 3°C, it's like summer. 😀

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

have some German. beer and light the fire mate

@ThailandThomas 7 месяцев назад

Always love Paul. He always has great stories. Great interview Pete. Have a great Christmas Season!

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Have a great Christmas season to you too Thomas

@martinpeacocke8968 7 месяцев назад

Brilliant Paul! You explained the differences perfectly.

@madpeddler8263 7 месяцев назад

Allow me to add my 2 satang worth. The critical thinking part is accurate to a point and it is reflective of the level of education. In addition to this is the reluctance of Thais to reach a decision individually and deferring this decision to someone in a superior position. This can be observed at all levels of society and is often the reason why projects take so long to complete. The graduate of a technical school will often consult their professor for years after graduation. As a result many professors maintain an important position despite the fact that their information and the advice that they wield may be dated and less than beneficial. Deferring to a superior truly stifles the application of critical thinking and as such hampers said development. One other thing not mentioned, Thais can't read maps. I'm still trying to figure that one out, good thing Google maps was created.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Right on with the maps and directions sir!

@stommx 5 месяцев назад

I've lived and worked in Thailand for 5 years, and I've never had a problem with the Thais. Just treat them with respect like you do at home. My Thai wife, on the other hand, has no problem calling me a fukcer when I'm out of order, and I do to her. There is nothing lost in translation if you are a basic good human being. Just treat people with basic respect, and you will be grand. Oh, I'm Irish too, btw.

@Lawrence-zc1fl 7 месяцев назад

Paul always provides excellent content

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

He tries

@DonBigMango 7 месяцев назад

Great to see you talking with P. Paul again. Always entertaining. Welcome back to Thailand and congratulations to you both on your Thai wedding. Enjoy the weather, I don't envy you both going back to dark, cold Dublin in December .

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

cheers mate, actually December isn't a bad month in Dublin. Pubs are packed and there's a great buzz on the run up to Christmas. January is a different story however

@dennisjankowsky6130 6 месяцев назад

Once again its soooo interesting to listen to Paul! My favourite person to feature on this chanel. Would love to meet him in person and just talk. Can learn so much about Thailand from him. And the way he presents his thoughts is very direct and clear

@wanderlustasia 7 месяцев назад

Always nice to hear Paul's perspective

@davidshepherd1713 7 месяцев назад

This guy has more knowledge then most expats living here topman

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Thank you David, I like to think I've been around the block a few times.

@senianns9522 7 месяцев назад

He is correct in much of what he says! I was in management here, I never shouted at the 'locals' , If they had 'erred' I showed disappointment rather than anger! I taught them by working with them not instructing! Becoming a friend who could them assist was a essential! It worked!

@anthony7091 7 месяцев назад

That’s the same in the west if you want to have a successful business

@Ned88Man 7 месяцев назад

100%. In the west its also frowned up to kind of call out people in a large group setting. Have a complaint, do it one on one.@@anthony7091

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

*than …

@kevod09 7 месяцев назад

He hit the nail on the head right there, its same in Cambodia and Vietnam , super nice people mostly, they are kind , caring , gentle, smiley etc , but at the same time they can have a little bit of an insular and myopic tendency , i have experienced that regularly. Can be frustrating ,also in my experience i find when they are happy they are absolutely jumping over the moon, when Sad they are borderline manic depressive, when angry there like an erupting Volcano,very extremes of emotions , not so moderate like westerners can be. but hey what can you do 😊

@JJ-vy2rh 7 месяцев назад

I have been to Cambodia many times and support a Khmer family and I haven't seen that

@AquaTofana. 5 месяцев назад

There are some new studies, showing that there is a very strong link between such temperamental behaviour and a big load of internal parasites in people. Parasitic infections are rampant in tropical area especially, and these parasites can drastically modify behaviour. The firey latina, or the pasionately temperamental latino boy, is very often the result of parasitic metabolism, interfering with people's hormones and neurotransmiters.

@miglondon 5 месяцев назад

@@AquaTofana. I am Latino, we read that aswell, but I think that studied was debunked, It has now more with the education levels. Thai education system is pretty bad as Paul mentioned.

@AquaTofana. 5 месяцев назад

@@miglondon Nope, they were not debunked. People are uneducated in many parts of the workd, and they are not experiencing extreme mood swings, like in the tropical areas, because they don't interact with tropical parasites. The reason it may seem as education is responsabile, it is because educated people live in cleaner areas, and drink cleaner water, because they can afford better quality of life/sanitation. Of course education matters too, in everything, but will not save your ass from parasites, by default.

@Hangover-ry9bo 7 месяцев назад

Great insights here

@shane0traveller451 7 месяцев назад

Highly value Paul's opinions on Thai culture Long live Thailand 🇹🇭 🙏 kun

@gardeningtipsandmore 7 месяцев назад

this guy's intelligence is underappreciated, could be a modern philosopher in the field of westerns in SE-Asia in the 2000s

@spirittrappedinmatter 15 дней назад

I agree. Some people are intellectuals without the fancy degrees and titles. Some never even go to University. Let alone, finish High School.

@matthewmiles9626 7 месяцев назад

Good to see the auld fella's still about. He's a great listen.

@baz69er13 7 месяцев назад

I think a lot of what Paul is saying is generally true to an extent, losing face is all over the world & the same as image, but not everyone is the same, making a thai lose face can have dire consequences, i think the laid back, up to you culture can sometimes boil up in certain individuals & like paul says will errupt if they lose face & as the country can sometimes be lawless in certain parts & the ownership of guns, fueled with alcohol or drugs etc its best to just mind your own buisiness & dont upset the locals especially if your a foreigner......

@GA001 7 месяцев назад

Mr Thairish I know that you done a pill months ago about video length but these videos are more than good enough to be a lot longer. If someone doesn’t want to watch, just turn it off but there’s no option for us who want more. You are a great interviewer with interesting guests, they should be at least half an hour at a minimum. Another cracking video with Paul. He’s a funny and interesting character.

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

fair point mate and thanks

@tobyprice1092 7 месяцев назад

That dude is great, speaks a lot of sense.

@_arman_ 7 месяцев назад

the great paul!! nice one

@adrianenglish511 7 месяцев назад

Very good video!

@KippaxInThailand 7 месяцев назад

Lol I first went over 20 years and knew nothing and had the best time ever. Too much information around now, just go and enjoy yourself. It works both ways every that is said in this video. You can say something to one person and shit happens and the same to someone else and nothing happens. Just like anywhere in the world. People are thinking way too deeply. If you listened to everything on RU-vid you would never enjoy yourself or be worrying too much about everything. I have Thai friends and haven't even had these conversations with them. If you're a decent person with respect like you should have no matter where you are in the world you'll be just fine. If you say something that offends anyone, just listen, apologise and move on, no point arguing, it's not the end of the world. Saving face is mostly immaturity and people pick and choose when to play the saving face card...

@sadhucat4476 7 месяцев назад

I've lived in several developing countries, never Thailand, but what Paul is describing seems to be my reason for having left every single one of them. As a first world native we are told that "poor" countries are victims of historic imperialism and economic injustice, but having lived in several disadvantaged societies, all I saw was people who had less and wasted more. Total lack of common sense, an inability to think 5 minutes ahead, and a stubborn resistance to change or improvement of any form - the last factor being the primary obstacle. I think Paul hits the nail on the head when he blames wrote memorization vs. critical thinking skills in the education system. If you look up IQ by country you will be shocked to find that many have mean scores of 85 or less. Supposing a normal distribution curve, this means that in about a quarter of the worlds countries 20%+ of the population have IQ's below 65 - legally disabled in the first world. I don't think this has anything to do with superior genetics, but rather that the brain is like a muscle and atrophies if not regularly exercised. Many societies simply do not demand the slightest bit of intellectual challenge in work and education, and as a result, critical thinking and other intellectual skills fade like an unused muscle.

@mobpsy1526 7 месяцев назад

This way of educating people benefits the ruling classes of these countries who are on the winner side of high inequality. Someone said in a funny way: Thai people are raised/trained to believe it is natural that if you are born into a poor neighborhood, you are supposed to stay poor forever. Result is this massive instant gratification/ in the moment living. Another fun fact is that Thai bars are full in the beginning of the month and empty in the second half because people ran out of money till the next paycheck.

@sadhucat4476 7 месяцев назад

@@mobpsy1526 Yeah, the lack of planning and anticipation is huge in the places I've seen. The argument I've heard from cultural relativists is that due to political and economic instability in developing countries, long term investment and planning is risky and unpredictable so people live in the moment. Maybe in some cases...

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

Love what you say about the brain being like a muscle. At different periods of my life (jobs, study etc) I loved the feeling of moving up the learning curve

@JourneyinThailand 7 месяцев назад

@@ThairishTimesliving in Thailand now for 5 years and my brain muscles are mush 😂

@jefflinton 7 месяцев назад

@@ThairishTimes it's just stimulation. Avoid 'experts' and stimulate what interests you or better still find something new that's always interested you and you'll stimulate other parts of your brain. It all sounds simple and basic but that's life.

@kwokweng76 7 месяцев назад

Great video Pete......I ❤ your videos

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

thanks for watching mate

@mangostickyrice555 7 месяцев назад

Thumbs up 👍 Pete & Paul

@Ulbre 7 месяцев назад

I found I could agree and disagree on just about everything in this video.....just from my own experience with Thailand. He offered some absolute great advice.....DON'T COMPARE.....this is absolute golden advice......."But we did it this way back home....".....No son, don't compare. I personally think loss of face is about the same everywhere. I worked in the middle east for 8 years and prior to going there had to do a course that had a "loss of face" module! I found the same there, loss of face is universal and there will always be a percentage of people who take it differently to others. Some people ( in every country) will hold a grudge until end of days....others (also in every country) will not bat an eyelid (although they may stab you in the head later on, but this type will also fall into the hold a grudge category!!!!! Great video. Love it. And you can't go wrong following the advice :)

@Ned88Man 7 месяцев назад

this is such a good take on it all.

@generealty 7 месяцев назад

Good video Pete. I've seen this guy a few times. An interesting guy to listen to.

@kavishinde2970 7 месяцев назад

Lovely perspective ..Critical thinking 🙏

@mixalis6168 7 месяцев назад

Saving face, can be extremes anywhere in the world.. I agree do it in person, like i would in the west !

@Ned88Man 7 месяцев назад

yea, i dont think any of what he says is really just applicable to Thailand or Asia. If you have an issue, do it one on one, no one anywhere in the world wants to feel like they are being belittled in Public.

@globalceezy Месяц назад

Great Breakdown 💡💯

@Kevin-lo1le 7 месяцев назад

Brilliant and very intelligent informative guest, a great man, thanks for the video and your top drawer aswell, GRMMA ☘️

@TheMark1840 7 месяцев назад

He's a wise owl indeed

@MrUlfang 7 месяцев назад

Good information

@nokchilton1562 7 месяцев назад

Totally agree with Paul 1000%!

@drbennyboombatz9195 7 месяцев назад

Wise ole Paul, nice!!

@Fatty-ck4ew 7 месяцев назад

This guy is always good value. He’s also correct. He is correct, at least with young Thais, being obsessed with image, and I dare say, possessions. They do want the best. The best phone & the best motorbike or car. There lies the difficulties that newbie foreigners experience. They land thinking that a genuine Thai, if invested in the teachings of Buddha, would not care less about. Wrong.

@unkopower7899 5 месяцев назад

I read a book about Thai's that mentioned how 'saving face' is so important in Thailand, I felt that alone made me understand Thai's way better.

@smurfhits5688 7 месяцев назад

Very interesting 🙏🏼

@antifugazi 7 месяцев назад

The critical thinking thing is what stops me from living in Thailand as it affects what the government and police do, just take the weed laws, no thought of how to actually roll it out and now it's a big mess, or take the TAT... Constant predictions of how they are going to get lots more high class tourism with no actual plan, the government just says things with no prior thought.

@user-kf9fy3dz7z 5 месяцев назад

Sounds like the Tory government.

@404errorpagenotfound.6 5 месяцев назад

Compared to the UK and much of the west which are complete basket cases politically, socially and economically ATM.

@fynnschumann7661 3 месяца назад

Would you say it's a mess? I think it's just conservatives who have a big problem with it.

@stephencirving 2 месяца назад

it’s just ‘feminine thinking’. Women are in charge here.

@jefflinton 7 месяцев назад

If you bear in mind three things life is simple in Thailand. 1. Monarchy 2. Saving face 3. Greed Most things are based around these things.Be passive,don't talk about money and never mention the king and you'll be fine.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

That's great advice!

@mixalis6168 7 месяцев назад

Greed, Well thats a world wide phenome !

@JeddieT 7 месяцев назад

I’d say NEVER disparage the King (or his Queen). But never mentioning the King? Perhaps I don’t understand exactly what you mean.

@KippaxInThailand 7 месяцев назад

@@JeddieT they have brainwashed people into thinking he's a god when he's the opposite. They don't want people telling the truth so they will punish people if you talk down about him especially western people so no one says anything. Bit like going against Kim Jong Un regime. Keep everybody in line.

@Boddav 7 месяцев назад

I’ve been friends with my Lady-Companion for 5 years.I’m making progress with the Thai language but she’s still at square one with English.Thanks to you guys , I’m theorizing that she think she’s loosing face in asking for help and I ‘ll ridicule her efforts.Which of course is not true.But like Paul said these people live for the moment.If we made this far with my efforts at Thai and her minuscule English why make any changes?

@RABernard 7 месяцев назад

Lots of common sense there. Living in rural Isan I get exactly what Paul is saying. I’m still adapting and learning from cosmopolitan Bangkok. Some excellent reminders in there.

@northtempest4453 3 месяца назад

As a Thai person, I confirmed that our education system is like that. Do what you have been told to do, remember stuffs for an exam. Without critical thinking at the first place it is difficult to realize that they are lacking it and try to learn how to think. Its not going to chnage soon cause this is how they could control the people of Thailand.

@miglondon 2 месяца назад

I've watched this several time for the last few months "Control, it's all about control. Every dictatorship has one obsession and that's it. In ancient Rome they gave the people bread and circuses. They kept population busy with entertainment but other dictatorships used other strategies to control ideas, the knowledge... how do they do that? Lower education, they limit culture, censor information, they censor any means of individual expression and is important to remember this, that this is a pattern, that repeats itself through out history."

@bitemenow609 7 месяцев назад

In the USA it always tomorrow next week next year. I was always looking to Saturday and Sunday. week after week. For 40 years.

@MrGoodsalesman 7 месяцев назад

I love this guy.

@senianns9522 7 месяцев назад

I know many really good Thais . After working here for more than 25 years it has been a good experience, however I haven't chosen any 'close' Thai friends. Why? There's a thing here about 'returning favors'. I have never asked any Thais for anything, I just don't want to be 'owing a favor! *Friend of mine befriended a Thai Cop. Thought it was a clever thing to do?? The cop now always around him asking for 'favors'! Not smart to engage socially with Police here! Up Too YOO?

@jollykate8562 7 месяцев назад

That’s really true. We are trained to be that way in the past. Nowadays, it’s been changed how they think because of the internet.

@farang_Dave 7 месяцев назад

Always great videos, i will keep up watching with the contents but as i travel Thailand and Philippines makes me busy😀 you still in Bangkok?

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

cheers mate, I'm not currently in Bangkok

@atulkapur9829 6 месяцев назад

Nice one Peter

@pauly44loveyou 7 месяцев назад

Yes Paul is fantastic and he one of the best in trying to explain it. Foreigners will go on and on about Thailand over the future years on social media but will still never get it. It’s all about the starting point of religion for them which is Buddhism. And just to clarify all non Thais will always be a foreigner in Thailand so either except it or go back to your place of birth. Good channel Pete 👍🏻

@seamusdoherty 7 месяцев назад

Legend

@fondavesthailandadventures5366 7 месяцев назад

Interesting guy. I have to agree about critical thinking. I am retired Dairy farmer and forward thinking and planning was essential, with backup plans as the weather was a big variable. Consequences of actions and inactions. I do find the Thai attitude refreshing......

@cstevenson5256 6 месяцев назад

Weather is a big part, coconuts grow, keeping a dairy going is a totally different thing.

@kidlebateau 7 месяцев назад

Yes Paul!

@solitudefilms1667 7 месяцев назад

To be fair most of these cultural characteristics doesn't just apply to Thais only but also to other Asian cultures as well, to some extent.

@jefflinton 7 месяцев назад

But Thailand is a monarchy with a military junta. Big difference.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Agree

@apuestasfutbol 7 месяцев назад

I thought that was the Eiffel Tower in the background in the opening shot 😂 Another cracking interview!

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

haha cheers mate, nice shot of central BKK there

@kyle3497-l3j 7 месяцев назад

You should interview again Steve Ross who you interviewed a year ago , he’s living in turtle 🐢 beach 🏖, he has a RU-vid channel in his name …👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏿🙏🏿🌷🌷🇸🇦🇸🇦

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Yes I'm a die-hard fan of Steve Rosse (with an e), Friday is always a great day with his monologue!

@kyle3497-l3j 7 месяцев назад

@@PaulWalliswriter 👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏿🙏🏿🌷🌷

@SpeedyCorky 4 месяца назад

Paul is a cool cat. I hope i can get to Thailand and meet him someday

@rogergr5019 4 месяца назад

He is actually a smart guy...

@karlpurcell3443 7 месяцев назад

Very good

@Mitro.t 7 месяцев назад

Paul & yourself need to start a podcast

@KYFHOme 7 месяцев назад

Facinating and useful! Business oppertunity for someone here, running a "cultural bootcamp" for westerners. Perhaps even online.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

Yeah, that would work!

@JAY-wn2hr 7 месяцев назад

This *again sounds SO much like my time in China. I'm not saying China and Thailand are exactly them same. But, damn... They are extremely similar. Especially the whole losing face thing. Phfff, not missing that at all. *Not in any negative way or form, but the Afrikaans I met in China. They had this game on lockdown. Me being Dutch, therefore "blunt" and more heart on his sleeve type. It's was definitely difficult navigation China from time to time. *It involved a lot of a55kissing during that time, and that's just not me. Besides all that, he is definitely one of my favorite characters.

@tinkeringinthailand8147 7 месяцев назад

After 6 years teaching at a school here, I found out the head of English was stealing from the IEP budget each month (= to my salary), and had been for years. Everyone knew about it but nothing was ever done, it was accepted. Once she found out that I knew about it she did everything to get rid of me, some of the attempts were so childish and involved recruiting others. As I had just sold my house in the UK for a tidy profit, I decided to resign. I took my daughter out of the school and made it quite clear to the director and the other teachers why. A lot of face was lost (rightly so) but I gained a lot respect (probably because I had bought an expensive new truck and everyone thought I was now rich 🤣🤣🤣. I still keep in touch with a lot of the good teachers from there. It only takes 1 bad apple.

@insightwisdom7022 7 месяцев назад

ขอบคุณมากที่ได้ช่วยเหลือประเทศไทยเเละสังคมโดยเปิดเผยความชั่วชองหัวหน้าแผนกภาษาอังกฤษกับผู้อำนวยการโรงเรียน ในสังคมมีคนดีและคนชั่วปะปนครับ good job for disclosing bad lady to the public.In Thailand or everywhere,There are good and bad guys.You are determined to do the right things.

@Simon-vt1zp 7 месяцев назад

Anyone remember “Jackanory “ but Paul is still entertaining and enjoyable, even if he is economical with the truth / reality. 👍

@marcuslouisson5498 3 месяца назад

i have experienced the face thing many times ,its real

@DannyHatrickProductions 7 месяцев назад

Have you moved back to Thailand Pete Or only visiting?

@ThairishTimes 7 месяцев назад

sadly just visiting mate

@buddyboyudon 7 месяцев назад

Flood? Was it Udon? I have been here 28 years You are right in every way!

@pvasir 4 месяца назад

Same in India.

@robbatayaki5505 7 месяцев назад

And you wonder how, with this lack of critical thinking and intellect, their malls, airport, skytrain, condos etc ... put to shame what we can see in most US cities .... lol " dont criticise someone in the workplace in public, do it one on one" Lol this is universal basic HR management advice. The condescendance and simplistic approach make it a fun video to watch though ...

@yvonnesheehan9079 7 месяцев назад

Jaysus Pete, that guy is some waffler. Did ya find him at the end of a bar ? ☘️☘️🇮🇪

@MM-sf3rl 7 месяцев назад

In my short experience, Thai’s don’t make inferences. Is that every Thai, no, certainly not. Or, they incorrectly make inferences without measurement, i.e., “you can’t manage what you don’t measure”. The AC guys came to clean and assess why the AC was not cooling. They did the usual cleaning. They put their hands in the air to feel if it was cooler. I asked if they had an Anometer (measure wind speed) and thermometer (measure heat or cool); and they did have one - a dual meter with a thermal-coupling. Much more effective than raising a hand up to the AC. Incorrect Inference: My Thai neighbor has a lovely Australian sheep dog. It never gets walked. I asked if I could walk it. She said once it ran off, therefore, they never walk it. Both examples of how to reach conclusions by evidence and reason.

@myzacky96 5 месяцев назад

Can Paul tells us what happened in the tsunami?

@FBICPS 7 месяцев назад

Thinking critically will get you in trouble in Thailand. Speaking your mind and being honest can lead to losing face, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know, no allowances made, it’s all about how they feel, nothing to do with how you feel.

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

Children in adult bodies. Like most woemyn … 😂

@raulbonatiu5531 2 месяца назад

The fields that touch on the topics discussed here are cross-cultural psychology and socio-cultural anthropology, for those who want to dive deeper.

@unassailable6138 6 месяцев назад

Replace Thai for Cambodia and you will understand an additional country as well.

@MrUled 7 месяцев назад

The truth is much more complex than what’s painted. Often you hear a certain breed of expat talking down Thais and lack of critical thinking or their education with an air of superiority, it’s so vulgar. Anyone who has actually experienced a real slice of Thai demographics would know otherwise. I worked corporate jobs at the highest levels in Thailand and as anything, Thai society is highly stratified which extends into education, upbringing and mindsets. one thing worth knowing, Thais have the emotional maturity of teenagers. One slight comment and they never talk to you again, quit their job or worse

@athitaya6898 7 месяцев назад

This country is a heirarchial society where every Thai from birth is taught their place on the Thai totem pole and their place in it. Don’t question your betters.

@athitaya6898 7 месяцев назад

Not mentioned, as a farang if you eff up you may as well pack up and go home, you will never again gain their trust or respect.

@PaulWalliswriter 7 месяцев назад

the rollercoaster of cultural clashes

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

Children in adult bodies …

@garethjones9605 7 месяцев назад

I left the UK because there are too many foreigners there and I am now living in Thailand.

@anna_m59 7 месяцев назад

Too bad this interview was so short

@miglondon 5 месяцев назад

Mr @PaulWalkiswriter With all my respect, I admired your life stories, and odissies. But you said Thai people live at the moment. I've experienced ( and not just Thais, but many Asians as well) that instead of living in the moment, they record the moment in their phones. So if they live at the moment is relatively superficial as well. What's your opinion about this?

@matthew6978 7 месяцев назад

Don't make comparisons. Good advice for living in Thailand.

@pepelemoko01 7 месяцев назад

Paul might have a point when parts of critical infrastructure collapse suddenly.

@ma3stro681 7 месяцев назад

Which is why all such infrastructure is mostly built by western companies …

@steray7590 7 месяцев назад

Hi pete the only trouble i had was ask a person they didn't no were ii wqs ģoifg hhed send me 6he wrong way to save face mad but i new nor to go back😂