Cultural differences between America and Thailand

“In America, you can say anything you want as long as you don’t DO it. In Thailand, you can do anything you want, but don’t SAY it!” This was one of the lines in a talk last Sunday by Dr. Sunyarat (Ton) Ratjatawan, PhD, a Bangkok psychologist. Dr. Ton during his presentation to the Pattaya City Expats Club on Sunday, May 26, was explaining some of the cultural differences between America and Thailand as he talked about the psychological and multi-cultural issues related to life in Thailand.

“In America, you can say anything you want, as long as you don’t DO it. In Thailand, you can do anything you want, but don’t SAY it!” Thai born, US raised Dr Sunyarat (Ton) Ratjatawan, PhD, Bangkok psychologist introduced his talk to Pattaya City Expats Club on the 26th of May with these insightful words.

Although he was born in Thailand, he spent 37 years in the U.S. where he received his education; BA in Psychology from Loma Linda University, MA in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, and PHD in Psychology from the University of Southern California. He came back to Thailand in 2005 to help people affected by the tsunami, where he spent four years in the southern provinces developing counselling facilities, multiple orphanages and community based programmes for the survivors of the tsunami. He then decided to stay; moving to Bangkok where he teaches at two universities and conducts counselling programs.

Chairman Pat Koester advises members of the Annual General Meeting on the 7th of July, and the procedure for elections for the Board of Governors that day.

He mentioned there are many reasons why foreigners might want to live in Thailand. For some, the reason is the freedoms that Thailand offers compared to some other countries. Dr. Ton relayed the stories of some foreign students at graduation. One was a Saudi Arabian woman who was crying after receiving her degree. These were not happy tears as she was crying because she had to go back home and wouldn’t be allowed to drive a car. Another was a Russian student who didn’t want to go back home because he said he couldn’t be openly gay in Russia.
Aside from the freedoms that Thailand offers, other reasons for wanting to live in Thailand include lower cost of living; the easy lifestyle; and Thai culture. In addition, Dr. Ton said people may be tired of the government or the society back home or they may be fleeing someone or something (e.g., alimony or child support).

General Manager of the Amari, Australian Brendan Daly announces the renewal of the agreement between PCEC and the Amari for meetings held in the Tavern by the Sea each Sunday morning.

He said that in Thailand he works mainly with non-Thais, many of them Indians who were born in Thailand. He explained that it is hard to practice his profession with Thai people because they don’t have a tradition of seeing psychologists as they can see a monk or talk to people in their family. As a result, he has to explain to Thais how he can help them. In addition, Dr. Ton said that establishing a rapport with a Thai client is not easy. One reason is that one of the most important things for Thai people is saving face. Another is they are not open about their feelings; they keep things bottled up.
Dr. Ton said that another cultural difference is that Thais are more materialistic; they like to show off new clothes or other possessions. In some villages, people measure wealth by the size of the house (“Oh, she must have a farang boyfriend!”) or the number of university degrees the son has earned. He also said that Thais see expats as rich and able to travel as well as seeing the West as a land of opportunity.
When he returned to Thailand after the tsunami, Dr. Ton worked a lot with people who had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “You don’t get over PTSD,” he said, “but you can adjust to it.” He told the story of a 90-year old lady in Japan. She survived the atomic bomb in Nagasaki, but even today, whenever she hears a plane overhead, she looks up and wonders if that is really an airliner or might it be a B-29 bomber? Anything can trigger PTSD episode even if the traumatic experience was long ago.
Dr. Ton said that he was glad to be back in Thailand even though he experienced “reverse culture shock.” Life in Thailand is less stressful, he said, although it can sometimes be a lot more frustrating. In answering questions he was asked what an Expat should do to get along with their Thai daughter-in-law. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Ton responded. In other words: Try to understand her issues and how she sees things.
He was also asked how well Thais adapt if they leave Thailand for the U.S. or another country. Some adapt, he replied, but most have trouble. It is much harder for Thais to adapt “over there” than it is for foreigners to adapt here, he said. Thais feel racism because being Asian, they are in the minority; they feel alone and lonely; and they long for Thai society. The primary reason he said is because Thailand is a collective society, whereas the U.S. is an individualistic society.
In response to the question about why there are so many older foreigners with younger Thai partners, Dr. Ton responded that for many it is the need for companionship or love, and the desire to have a caregiver. In addition, he said, foreigners enjoy receiving compliments; they are usually treated as someone special here (as compared to back home).

Aqua hits the bar scene with a splash

A motley crew of local faces in attendance.

Paul Strachan
With over 5000 bars in Pattaya, you would think that people looking for a nice place to hang out would be spoilt for choice. However, the reality is that after a long days work you don’t want to go to some beer bar, where the music is blaring, girls are screaming and you spend you whole time being pestered by people trying to sell you flowers, watches, movies and a shoe shine.
Thankfully a new bar has emerged on the scene. It is part of the Mercure Hotel, situated behind the Avenue shopping mall and its name is Aqua Lounge & Pub.
The theme for Aqua is straight forward: daily specials and a cool venue with a trendy DJ to keep the ambience at the right level.
The bar has an almost colonial feel to it, yet mixed with contemporary furniture and comfortable sofas overlooking the swimming pool of the Mercure.

The general manager of the Mercure Hotel Alex Chakrabarti (left) is joined by two female guests from Australia and Paul Strachan.

Aqua has some new promotions for its launch including ‘Game on’ Monday nights featuring pool, darts and table football, with a drinks promo of buy one beer get one free. Wednesday is Ladies Night, ladies get two free drinks and 50% discount thereafter. Thursday is Sangria night with buy one get one free and the same on Friday, but this time the promo is on Mojitos.
So if you are looking for somewhere to kick back and relax to some cool sounds and to meet new people try Aqua Lounge & Pub at the Mercure for something a little bit different.

Sophon Cable gives away 600,000 baht in prizes

Mrs. Lamyai Thupwan (left) accepts the award from Rattakit Hengtrakul, deputy MD of Sophon Cable TV Pattaya, winning tickets from Bangkok to Singapore for 3 days and 2 nights.

Thanachot Anuwan
Two Sophon Cable TV subscribers won trips to Singapore and other customers took home almost 600,000 baht in prizes in the company’s “Big Thank You 2013” contest.
Sophon Deputy Managing Director Rattakit Hengtrakul presided over the May 18 drawing at Central Festival Pattaya Beach with top Pattaya and Nongprue politicians present.
Customers Lamyai Thapwan and Malee Panchai won the grand prizes of a three-day, two-night trip to Singapore, while other customers won motorbikes, smartphones, gold and more.
The contest was open to current and new customers. Subscribers received a prize-drawing ticket for each month of their subscriptions. The event also featured a contest from GMM Grammy music label recording artists.
The Yamaha Fiore motorbike was won by Jintana Maharat, the Honda Scoopy by Khruawan Khemthong, and two Apple iPhone 5’s by Peera Tantichairattanakul and Naphin Changphasee.
The contest was held to thank customers for their support and business.

Malee Panchai (2nd left), the second lucky winner who won air tickets from Bangkok to Singapore for 3 days and 2 nights, receives her prize from Suwat Rachotwattanakul (right), deputy MD of Sophon Cable TV Pattaya.

Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya stages Lungarotti Wine Dinner for Acqua regulars

Acqua Chef Alberto Bruni (2nd left), and Wuthisak Pichayagan (right), executive assistant manager - F&B for Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, present a bouquet to thank Chiara Lungarotti (2nd right), the owner of Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti, and Andrea Bizzarri, sr. sales manager of Italasia Trading (Thailand) for their support.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, led by Chef Alberto Bruni of Acqua Italian restaurant, organized an extraordinary wine dinner for Acqua regular guests. The event was held in partnership with the Lungarotti Wine and Aroi Italy companies, with Chef Alberto creating a five-course menu with each course paired with six different wines from Torgiano in the Perugia region, Italy.
Guest host for the evening was Ms. Chiara Lungarotti from Cantine Giorgio Lugarotti Winery. Joining the extraordinary wine dinner were well-known Pattaya celebrities and business owners.

Andre Volgmann, Lior Bar-David; Edi Choer from Heights Holding and colleagues fill Acqua’s VIP room.

146th Canada Day Celebration

The Canada Day Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that the annual Canada Day party will be celebrated at the British Club on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The event marks Canada’s 146th birthday and the 24th year that Canada Day has been celebrated in Bangkok.
“The 2012 event was a great success with 347 people in attendance and we are looking to attract over 400 this year with our planned changes to the venue’s lay-out and the introduction of live music,” said Don Lavoie, Chair of the Canada Day Committee organizing the event. “The 2013 event promises to be a great time as the Canadian community and its many friends comes together to celebrate Canada’s birthday,” he added. Through this annual event, the Canada Day Committee also raises funds which are contributed to the Thai Fund Foundation (TFF).
Officially, Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st each year, but is being held early in Bangkok to accommodate school breaks and to allow for more families to participate in the festivities. The aim of this annual event is to encourage Canadians and their families, friends, and colleagues of all ages and nationalities, to gather and celebrate Canada Day in a lively atmosphere, with delicious food, exciting games and fantastic camaraderie.
The Canada Day Celebration offers children’s games, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, volley ball, and various sporting activities for adults, including petanque. A delicious buffet dinner will be served following the afternoon activities. Beer and wine will be available for the occasion, as well as Clamato juice for the uniquely Canadian Bloody Caesar. Event ticket holders will also be eligible to win a host of fabulous lucky draw prizes.
Tickets are being sold in advance with limited tickets available at the door - based on a ‘first come, first serve basis’. Ticket price includes entry into the event, dinner and a chance to win lucky draw prizes):
Adults: (13 & up) 950 baht in advance/ 1250 baht at the door.
Children: (4-12) 450 baht in advance/ 600 baht at the door.
Children: (3 & under) 100 baht in advance/at the door.
Reserved tables: Tables of 10 can be reserved with an advance payment by Friday, June 7, 2013.
Event schedule:
15:00: Doors open
16:00: Children’s games
16:30: Ball hockey, volleyball tournament & adult games
17:00: Live music
18:00: Greeting & prize drawings
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Live music
For further information, please contact the Canada Day Organising Committee c/o the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower, 9th Floor, tel: 02-266-6085-6 or email us at: [email protected]