Culture

5 Surefire Ways to Get Punched in the Face in Thailand

Thailand’s oft-hapless Tourism Authority has always done a good job of pushing Thailand as ‘The Land of Smiles’. The problem with this, of course, is that anyone who reads a few paragraphs of sanitized TAT-approved copy arrives in Thailand thinking that everyone is running around with grins so big that their heads are splitting open. Of course this is not the case – Thailand has jerks and thugs just like any country, and the ‘Thai Smile’ can often be nothing more than a mask for some serious emotional distress. With this in mind, be wary of what you do and say, because while Thais certainly love to smile, they aren’t shy about giving someone his comeuppance, if they deserve it.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:32+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Politics, Thailand|0 Comments

How Expat Life Changes Your Perceptions of ‘Normal’

From a sociologist’s point of view, traveling to (and living in) a strange culture is akin to taking off your clothes and jumping butt-nekkid into a cold mountain lake. It strips away any notion of comfort that you may have had and gives you a new perspective on yourself, your surroundings, and the world you inhabit. Thailand certainly has this effect on one as well, as I expect living in or visiting most any country would, but in some very interesting ways. There are many short-term changes - things that most people recognize during their first week, month or year - but there are also a surprising amount of long-term changes that sneak up on you.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:32+00:00Asia, Bangkok, Culture, Politics, Thailand|0 Comments

Five Reasons You Should Definitely Visit Bangkok – and Five Reasons You Shouldn’t

Bangkok is kind of like a handlebar moustache – some people love them, some people hate them, but rarely will you find someone that says they don’t mind either way. If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you’ve likely come to the (correct) conclusion that I really dig this awful, amazing, ugly, beautiful city to the point where I rarely leave it. But as much I like it here, I can also see why people want to avoid the place like a barbed-wire hammock. I make no judgment either way, but after nearly a decade living in the Big Mango, here are my reasons why you should definitely spend some time here – and why you definitely shouldn’t.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:33+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Food, Thailand, Travel|8 Comments

Some Thoughts on the Red Shirts

There are a few things I generally try to avoid writing about on my blog, and politics is one of them. Part of it is due to the fact that I'm too busy to write regularly about such topical and quickly-evolving subjects, but mostly it's because there are other bloggers out there who speak much more eloquently on the whole shebang than I ever could. However, as I do often have an opinion or two, I thought I'd put up some pictures and write a short bit about the ongoing red shirt protest in Bangkok and how I feel about the whole mess.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:33+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Current Events, Politics, Thailand|0 Comments

Is Twitter an Expat’s Best Friend?

A surprising amount of people ask me just what exactly Twitter is. What is it good for? they say. Why would I want to know what you're eating? What I usually tell them is that Twitter is like a big bag of cocaine: if you don't have a use for it, it's totally pointless to have it. However, as an expat it can come in really handy as a networking tool, a business tool and even - gasp! - become a vital part of your life. I should know - I once asked my friend why I should sign up for Twitter if I didn't care to know what he was eating. I was way wrong.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:34+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Pop Culture, Technology, Web Media|0 Comments

ExciTED, MotivaTED, ExhausTED: Anatomy of a TEDx Conference

Up until about 6 months ago, I only had a few basic tatters of information about TED Talks. I knew it was an annual conference, or... something. I'd seen a few talks on the website and thought it was an interesting concept, but it was only when I was invited to help organize Thailand's first TEDx event, TEDxBKK (the 'x' stands for an independently organized TED event under the main TED umbrella), did I truly get an understanding of what a powerful, important and tremendously enjoyable event they can be. The big day was February 13, 2010, and it went of superbly, thanks to a great team that really personified what TED is all about. Another reason I got a backstage view of the whole thing? I was asked to be the host.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:34+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Movies, Music, Politics, Pop Culture, Technology, Thailand, Web Media|0 Comments

Forcing Yourself to Feel Lost Again is a Good Thing

Momma always said that it’s very easy to get in what she called a ‘comfortable rut’, and she was right. After a while in any job/location/relationship/yoga position, you get comfortable; staying where you’re at is easier than moving on, and consequently, a lot of people never bother to change their situation. A drastic shakeup is usually not necessary, but a quick metaphorical head-shake is usually a great idea. That’s why as an expat, despite the fact you already live in an exotic land, it’s important to get out of Dodge every once in a while and get your compass realigned.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:34+00:00Asia, Bangkok, Culture, Thailand, Travel|0 Comments

Sexpats, Thai Stereotypes, and the Pleasure in Avoiding Them (the Stereotypes)

There are always tons of stereotypes for any situation/person/country, and even the best of us can’t help but fall victim sometimes. Indeed, I'd be a lot more nervous going on Jeopardy! if I was up against an Asian kid with glasses than I would against an unshaven dude from Alabama wearing a wifebeater. (Let's be honest, I'd probably lose to both). But in a country like Thailand, where political correctness has yet to take hold make an appearance, stereotypes are everywhere, and most have to do with ‘the sexpat’. Often times, they’re true, other times, they’re anything but. I know, because I’m (thankfully) a freak when it comes to many of the stereotypes in Thailand.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:35+00:00Asia, Bangkok, Culture, Thailand|19 Comments

The Worst of America’s Fast Food Comes to Thailand

As more and more jobs consist of mainly sitting at a computer and more and more recreational activities consist of mainly sitting in front of a television, it's no surprise we're getting fatter. The oft-maligned American diet is usually brought up as a pretty hefty (heh) contributing factor, chronicled brilliantly on ThisIsWhyYou'reFat.com. Well, one of America's worst culinary offenders has officially landed in Bangkok - the Donut Burger, wherein a donut takes the place of a burger bun. Never being one to resist temptation, I figured I'd do my blogging duty and headed down to try it out.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:36+00:00Bangkok, Culture, Food|0 Comments

Five Great Non-Christmas Christmas Movies for Expats

thumb Christmas is a special time for everyone who grows up in a western country. For me, it's a time of chilly nights, warm fireplaces, heavy snowfall and quality time with family and friends. I love Christmas; it's my favorite time of the year and has been since I was wee. But when you're living overseas, it's not as easy as simply jetting back for a few days; plane tickets are expensive and in many places, such as Thailand, December 25th is simply a regular workday in a regular week. So, what's the best thing to do? You want to avoid overloading yourself with reminders of what you're missing but still get a taste of home. With that in mind, I picked five of my favorite Christmas movies that give you a healthy dose of Christmas cheer but distract you with other movie goodness so as to avoid leaving you a wine-soaked lump of homesick wretchedness.

Greg2016-11-17T15:48:36+00:00Asia, Culture, Holidays, Thailand|0 Comments