Description

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A virtual look at the everyday lives and experiences of the Thai people. Meet authentic Thais such as Khun Fon., Ratchanee, Noi and many others in its pages. Often they will be using their own words to explain their thoughts and feelings to you. The diary is a "no holds barred" account of the lifestyle and customs that you will find in the Land of Smiles. Matt Owens Rees tells it as it is and does not hold back in describing and narrating the reality that is Thailand. From the political structure with its history of coups to the lay back and caring attitude of its people. Comparisons are made with western culture and foreigners living in Thailand in order to highlight the cultural differences which are illustrated, many of which are not immediately transparent to the casual visitor. The diary entries can be both humorous and serious, recalling everyday events or going into more detail on major cultural and sociological differences. It is both a light read and a useful anthropology. The smiling faces of the Thais can be misleading. Although noted for their friendliness and caring nature, the people of the Land of Smiles are quite shy and unassuming (greng jai.) Together with the language barrier - the Thai language and its tones are notoriously difficult to learn - this makes it challenging for any writer of Thai lifestyle and culture to obtain reliable anthropological data on this amazing country's people.

About the Author

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As was realised after publication of Margaret Mead's "Coming of Age in Samoa", an author should be very careful of the accuracy of what he or she is being told. Thais like to please and avoid conflict and argument; often they will tell you what they think you want to hear. Matt Owens Rees has been careful to avoid that by having a focus group which is comprised of Thais from varying backgrounds and with vastly different experiences. He lectures frequently in Thai universities and has led study groups on Thai culture and lifestyle in France and South Korea. His other books include Thailand Take Two, Escape to Thailand, The Thai Way of Meekness, and The Death of a Thai Godfather.