Matt Owens Rees

Matt Owens Rees Profile

As a cultural anthropologist who has lived in Thailand for nearly two decades, my aim is to write about Thailand’s culture, and the lifestyle of its people, in an easy-to read format. Often with humour. And, often comparing with Western cultures.

You can read my work on https://www.MattOwensRees.com Mainly short true stories on Thai life with a 2 minute read. It’s mobile friendly.



My writing is from my own research and experience, from conversations with Thais from a variety of backgrounds and social classes, and from comments I get when listening to expats and tourists who live in a county called The Land of Smiles.

But, to understand Thailand—and to connect meaningfully with Thai people—it’s better to observe and listen than to dominate the conversation. After all, we were given two eyes and two ears, but only one mouth.

Matt Owens Rees Profile

I’ve built a “focus group” of Thai contacts from all walks of life: farmers, construction workers, office staff, shopkeepers, those working in the professions, business owners, military and police officers.

Bar girls and Bankers; Freemason members and Freelancer girls.

I don’t judge or discriminate. I just write the truth about what I hear and see.

The Medium Writing Platform

This platform has changed a lot recently. Many writers have left because of the movement towards censorship and not allowing free speech.

Therefore, I will no longer write on that platform.

Collaboration with Carol Hollinger

Although our styles differ, my books and writing echo many of the observations found in Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind—still, in my view, the best introduction to Thai society ever written. It’s as relevant today as it was in 1965 when she wrote it.

Carol died at just 45, before seeing her best-selling book in print. I also lost the chance to collaborate with her on a new book exploring the concept of Face in Thai society. A subject we both were keen to explore.

I hope you found the Matt Owens Rees Profile of interest.

Get in Touch with MattOwensRees

I always reply to readers’ messages.

If you’ve read one of my titles—or even just this post—I’d love to hear what you think. If they resonate or prove useful, I’d welcome your thoughts in the comments. This helps shape future writing and other readers like to see your comments and views.

📧 Email: MattOwensRees@proton.me
🐦 Twitter: @MattOwensRees
📘 Facebook: (Chiangmai): Matt Owens Rees

Where to Preview or Buy My Books
📚 https://Books2Read.com/MattOwensRees
🌐 https://www.MattOwensRees.com – my author website.

Some books are free introductory offers on my website.

As Google wrote in their meta description of the Matt Owens Rees Profile, Matt’s posts are “engaging storytelling”.

I try to bring humour into meaningful and informative content. Often comparing Thai culture and lifestyle with the cultures of other nations.

Here’s an example.

THIS BEER TASTES LIKE RAIN

To make cultural points in the “Beyond the Bamboo Curtain” series, and to make the story more interesting for readers, I often give examples of true stories from other cultures.


Different nationalities have different senses of humour. I recall being in a UK pub one overcast day in winter. A few of us were sitting round the bar when the barman commented, looks like rain, doesn’t it?

The fellow next to me raised his glass and sipped his beer. Yes, tastes like it too

We all laughed including our barman. A sarcastic joke like that, smacking of criticism of watering down the beer, may not have worked in Thailand. A blank look, walking away, or a more violent response could well follow.

Thais prefer you to join in with their own brand of humour.

They will love it if you join in with their karaoke, whatever kind of voice you have. Life is about having fun, sanuk.

When I dance, I show the world that I was born with two left feet. It matters not a jot to a Thai.

Trying to dance the Thai ramwong, their traditional dance with a lot of symbolic hand and body movement, guarantees much laughter and smiles.

That’s the sort of joking and fun they enjoy. Here is a professional version.

https://www.tiktok.com/@thosepubguys/video/7486875771248594198?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc