Editor;
Having read the letters complaining about Thailand (Land of Tomorrow,
Night Safari Ire, Red Light Ignorance), it’s my turn to complain. Every
week there are letters complaining, whining, whinging about the
inconvenience, “hardships”, etc. of being in this foreign country.
Let’s look at the other side of life here.
Try raising a family on a professional’s salary of
10,000B per month. This lack will often lead to corruption from anyone who
can pull it off. Solution - be very careful.
Try pleasing everyone from the western world when your
only language is Thai. This can lead to horrible misunderstandings. Solution
- have empathy and put some effort into learning a little of their language.
Try living with an emerging semi-democratic government
all your life. This can lead to passivity and resentment on the part of many
of the Thai people. Solution - go back to your native country.
While I also get extremely frustrated with poor service,
poor driving, etc., try to remember we are guests. I got stopped once for
not having my seat belt on - I said thank you for looking after me - no
ticket was issued. I have “lost it” on more than one occasion and felt
terrible afterwards, going back to apologize. Often I will go to or write a
letter to management and try to get things to work better for the “next”
guy. The more we do this, the better things may get.
There are many reasons we come to Thailand to live - the
cost of living, sexual adventures, curiosity, or Buddhism to name a few. I
came because I really, really like the Thai people, who at worst show me
respect (I’m not young anymore) and at best become incredibly good
friends. I suggest we all examine the negativities we carry and try to live
our lives a little happier.
L. Coombs
