Thailand
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Part 1 We’re Airborne This is the first in a 14-part series tracing Derek’s journey through the subtle, often unseen layers of Thai society. Each instalment offers a glimpse behind the bamboo curtain—where social cues, quiet tensions, and unspoken hierarchies shape daily life. We begin mid-air, with altitude and anticipation, as Derek’s story takes flight.…
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Part 2: Derek lands at Bangkok International Airport. “Wake up, sir. We’re serving breakfast”. The smiling flight attendant helped me lower the tray and placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me. She wore a long silk dress in traditional Thai style. All the cabin crew looked immaculate, and the female staff…
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Different nationalities have different senses of humour. I recall being in a UK pub one overcast winter’s day. A few of us were sitting around 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…
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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…
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Today’s story. Each weekday, a fresh short glimpse of Thailand 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.…
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Last night’s Thai get-together was one of those laid-back, food-filled evenings. Everyone brought something—mostly northern dishes, homemade and proudly shared. The karaoke machine sat quietly at first, but after a few drinks, it found its groove. So did we. I rolled out of bed late this morning, still humming a luk thung tune I couldn’t…
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A wai is more than a greeting—it’s a gesture of respect. Rushing it, or misjudging the height, can signal arrogance or indifference. Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Respect is in the rhythm.
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Why Thai shopkeepers rarely say ‘no’ In Thailand, a direct refusal can feel confrontational. Instead, you’ll hear “maybe later” or “not today” with a smile. It’s not avoidance—it’s grace. Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Saying ‘no’ without saying it.
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From years of observation—and conversations with fellow anthropologists steeped in Thai society—I’ve come to a curious conclusion: most Thais tend to think and act just one step ahead. Not two. Not three. Just one. That’s not to say strategic thinking is absent. I’m sure there are Thai chess players who can plan a dozen moves…
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Behind the Bamboo Curtain How unforeseen events can force a change of plan.Because there’s much I need to do in the house, in the garden, and for my writing, I always plan a schedule for the week ahead —then watch it wobble, warp, or wither by morning. When asked by a journalist why his government…