It's always a challenge to be in a new country because things may be done differently from where you come from. There are a few things you may think are universally accepted only to have your thinking completely blown into smithereens once you're in a new country. It's pretty much the same with living in Thailand.
If you're new to Thailand or you're just passing through, you may think you know what life is like here but I'm here to... well, destroy your expectations. If you've been living in the Land of Smiles for a while like I have, you'll know these things, some good and some bad, are the reality of life in Thailand. Let's put your "living in Thailand" to the test. From traffic laws to immigration, here's the expectation versus the reality of living in the Kingdom.
Being an expat
Expectation
Thailand is tourist haven and is always welcoming. Hence, it should be a no-brainer that they would also be welcoming to foreigners who would work here. Life as an expat is hassle-free. There's low cost of living, food is cheap and finding an apartment to rent is no sweat. Everything is happiness and rainbows.
Reality
While the relative low-cost living and cheap food is true (depending on how you live), the immigration system works like a clingy, paranoid partner who's always texting you every hour to find out where you are, who you're with and what you're doing. Not only does this partner text you, s/he also asks your landlord about where you've been, if you've returned to the country and whose bed you've been in! Who needs a love interest nagging you when you've got Thai immigration?
Sidewalks
Expectation
With the way the word is constructed, its purpose is pretty much obvious. It's for pedestrians to be able to walk freely, safely and unhindered without the worry of being run over because hey, the sidewalk is for -- wait for it -- walking. What a mind-blowing concept!
Photo: Unsplash.com/Arisa Chattasa
Photo: Patipat Janthong
Reality
Sike, Thailand's sidewalks don't work that way. Roads are for cars. Sidewalks are for motorcycles. This is evident in the fact that motorcyclists get angry at people walking on the sidewalk because dang it, sidewalks are their turf and not meant for walking!
PEDESTRIAN/ ZEBRA CROSSINGS
Expectation
Ah, yet another safe haven for pedestrians. These hallowed lines on the road not only mean people can cross safely, but it also means people are able to cross because cars and motorcycles don't stop on the freaking lines themselves.
Photo: 123rf.com
Reality
Drivers could barely give a crap. Heck, a whole bus could be obstructing the zebra crossing and pedestrians have to walk around it while anxiously glancing because a motorcycle could come speeding through.
TURN SIGNALS
Expectation
Used to signal other drivers on the road so you can safely change lanes or make a turn.
Reality
It's there for aesthetic purposes.
STOP LIGHTS
Expectation
Green = go Orange = slow down Red = stop
Reality
Green = go Orange = go faster Red = go as long as you're a motorcycle but if not then tough luck you have to obey traffic laws.
TOURIST SPOTS
Expectation
You get to explore Bangkok's rich history firsthand. Explore temples, meet kind local people and feast on local delicacies. Get some shots for the 'Gram at the Grand Palace. Marvel at the immensity of the Reclining Buddha. Immerse yourself in Thai culture.
Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai
Reality
All of the above is still true, but you've also got to endure the sweltering heat. Oh and you're also going to have to shell out some cash because hey, you're not Thai and only locals get in for free. So pay up B500 to get cultured. Welcome to dual pricing!
TAXIS
Expectation
Public transportation that makes going around the city easier with drivers that are kind. They also run on a meter so you don't get cheated. And far be it for taxi drivers to reject customers because it's actually illegal!
Reality
Unless you're Caucasian, taxi drivers especially along tourist-heavy roads like Sukhumvit will not even acknowledge your existence. Even then, most of these taxi drivers will rip-off farangs and demand flat rates instead of using meters. Yes, rejection of customers is illegal but that's never stopped any of them. And they wonder why we prefer using Grab (but that is another story, too).
TRAFFIC
Expectation
Traffic is bad in Bangkok.
Reality
Hey, whadaya know, the one time expectation actually meets reality!
STREET FOOD
Expectation
Street food is unclean and dangerous so the best thing to do is eat at a hotel or a more hi-so resto for the sake of cleanliness. After all, the dishes are going to be the same.
Reality
Admittedly, cleanliness is not the strongest suit of street vendors. But authentic street food is where it's at. Streetside pad Thai and kuay tiew that costs B50 may be better than a B250 plate at a hotel resto.
NEIGHBOURS
Expectation
People come knocking on your door and you enjoy their company.
Photo: Attanai Idear Thaiyuenwong Facebook
Reality
Something does knock on your door, but it's not people.
ON EVERY CORNER
Expectation
Bangkok is one of the world's infamous sex destinations and there are probably people on every corner soliciting clients, as well as shady massage parlour establishments.
Photo: Amornthep Chotchalermpong
Reality
Dude, the only thing that's on every corner is the freaking 7-Eleven. Sometimes, they're even just across the road from one another. We take our need for convenience stores and microwaveable ham and cheese sandwiches seriously.
HAZARD SIGNAL
Expectation
Meant to be used to signal a vehicle that's stopped or reversing.
Reality
Motorcycles use it as an excuse to go against the flow of traffic because that makes it okay.
HELMETS
Expectation
Protection for the head in case of accidents.
Reality
Optional headwear.
THE WAI
Expectation
The wai is an iconic gesture in Thai culture and is widely used when greeting and thanking others. It's common to see it done by everybody and so we should all wai whenever we're greeting or thanking someone.
Reality
Unless you're greeting someone who has some sort of high ranking in society or if you're in a formal setting, you don't really have to wai every single time you're saying "hi" or "thank you". I dare you: go wai the 7-Elven clerk after you've bought something and watch them get confused.
ELECTRICAL WIRES
Expectation
Since they're high-voltage wires and extremely dangerous, it's only common sense that they be as far away as pedestrians from possible. Did I mention they were extremely dangerous?
Reality
Bangkokians walk beside high-voltage wires every day when using overpasses because we're badasses. Sometimes they are so low they make our sidewalks even more unwalkable!
