There’s an expression that many expats use to sum up the bizarre, outrageous and confusing things that can happen in Thailand; T.I.T. (This is Thailand).
You’re driving along a busy main road at night and although the traffic light is on green, traffic has halted. The reason for the delay? An elephant is being escorted across the highway complete with red warning light attached to its tail.
This is Thailand.
A motorcyclist is holding one end of a large bamboo pole on his shoulder. Following 15 metres behind him, another motorcyclist is holding the other end.
T.I.T.
A first time visitor to Bangkok is enjoying a night out on the town with an expat friend when he spies the most stunning woman he has ever seen; legs that go up to her chin, a figure to die for and hair straight out of a shampoo advert. The expat notices his friend’s reaction and informs him that the woman is in fact a katoey (ladyboy).
This is Thailand.
Thailand is unique. No matter how long I stay here or assimilate, there are likely to be things that I never understand. Vive la difference as the French say, ‘same same but different’ the slogans on the Thai t-shirts proclaim.
