What's with all the neon? Questions about Thailand.

I think it's impossible for any Westerner to get all the subtleties of Thai culture (though it's funny to call them subtleties, since I've never seen a more neon-hued, noisy, odoriferous place in my life!). I've had ten years of discussions with my husband about foods, wats, Buddhist celebrations, markets, and all the other things he remembers from his childhood days in Bangkok; yet, it barely scratched the surface of what it means to BE Thai (Chan ben khun Thai) much less what it means to simply visit Thailand.

not quite neon, but typical of Thailand

     I've heard many stories about Western visitors that have brief layovers in Thailand; they change ticket dates to stay longer and never leave. I can understand since I was completely captivated by what I saw, though I wonder in retrospect if so many Westerners stay because they get so caught up in "What's that? Oh! What is that! I can't believe they did that!" I recognized a few cultural symbols but felt I wasn't really getting the picture, so I started trying to find things to read about Thailand. I picked up a couple of magazines on the way back from Phuket and discovered a few little gems.

    In Expat Society Magazine, a spin off from the Thailand Tatler, I picked up a few tidbits from the stories of expats who'd moved to Thailand, as well as a few artists who were inspired by the culture there. Even better was Bangkok 101 which not only highlighted events, new business, and museums... but also provided a few books to read. One of them called Very Thai, by Philip Cornwel-Smith looked promising, but it wasn't until we saw the book in the gift shop of The National Museum that my husband picked it up. 

    Philip Cornwel-Smith and John Goss (photographer) began documenting Thailand through pictures on their first visits their in the early 80's. Both currently live in Bangkok working on art, media, and writing projects for various groups and magazines. At the heart of their book is the "What the heck is that about?" question that inspires every Westerner to keep digging into Thai culture. Some of the wording in Very Thai is a bit heavy on the adjectives, and I didn't necessarily agree with some observations that seemed distinctly Western and stunted (which the author apologizes for in the intro- we are after all only observers of Thai culture, and are thus limited by our own cultural views) - but I have found explanations for numerous "Thai things" post trip. I regret I didn't read this book before we landed in Thailand, as it would have provided insight into so many of the things I saw and took pictures of myself.

     I recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Thai culture a little better. This book was useful in interpreting parts of the Fantasea Show in Phuket and has provided insight into many other things we saw. It also explains some of the reasons why Anglo-culture seems to have taken over in certain areas, while some Thais can't break the habits of the old ways. At the very least Very Thai will provide the reader with identifiable objects in the otherwise chaotic scenery of Bangkok (and Thailand as a whole).

    Hopefully some of my readers will follow the links I'm providing to get additional information about Thailand (especially if you plan on visiting any time soon... or are just nostalgic for what's going on). Happy Reading!