Matt Owens Rees

Today’s short story in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series of Thailand topics. Readers will see that Thais have a strong sense of being born Free, and the importance of Thailand’s hierarchical feudal structure.

“Freedom to Spit” was a term Carol Hollinger used in her excellent book, Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind. Still a classic best-seller on Thai life-style and society.

In Thailand, judgement is a national pastime. You’re free to be whoever you want—but don’t expect a standing ovation.

Appearances might be tolerated, but rarely celebrated.

Thais are experts in social finesse: the warm smile up front, the whispered gossip once you’re out of earshot. People are sized up in seconds. A bar girl, a hi-so matron, a rural uncle—they’re all classified instantly, often by cues outsiders miss.

And yes, everyone looks down on someone. That’s why uniforms often come with a little extra swagger. The traffic cop, the immigration officer, the security guard—they’re not always enforcing rules. Sometimes, they’re settling scores.

It’s a way of reclaiming dignity and saving Face in a country that’s more feudal than democratic. When you spend your days bowing to those above, a little power can feel like sweet revenge.