How To Survive in Thailand; Saving Face, Understanding Thai Culture & Language

[@BangkokPat]

Chris is a legend and knows what he's talking, and writing about, no doubt about that! Nice one Pete, great video mate.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you Pat. You are a bit of a legend yourself. Our Calvino film project has been a great experience is creative cooperation.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Pat

[@keithd1219]

Love your channel Pat! 👏

[@dominiquelaurain6427]

Same same Keith, your channel and Pete's one are great. Just watched today when you interviewed Pete last year ;-) A similar style for interviewing ; be patient, curious, ask questions and listen.

[@BennieTarrMusic]

You're becoming a bit of a legend yourself. :-)

[@tonyfuller8717]

I learned more in this 30min episode about Thai culture than I learned in 2 30day trips… Great Job!

[@ThairishTimes]

Fantastic!! I love hearing stuff like this

[@kimhoedt9449]

The quality of this channel definitely improved a lot during the last months. Great work 👌

[@scottjohnson921]

Yes! It went from good to great!!

[@SquintyTV]

@@scottjohnson921 and will only get better I'd bet!

[@ThoughtMachine1]

It went from meh to hmm that's interesting

[@SquintyTV]

@@ThoughtMachine1 you are necessary too!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks, wait until you see what i've got coming up

[@rickrifaa]

It is a a pleasure to listen to Christopher's on his chosen expat life in Thailand and understanding it's vagaries interesting, intelligent and beautifully put . A star amongst expatriates few reach this accomplishment when living and working in another culture .

[@byt290]

Absolutely 1st CLASS & essential viewing for everyone who are associated with Thai people anywhere in the world. Note - Thai often don't express their feelings but instead may give you a very particular look / stare.... reading the expression on their face can often speak volumes, (not unlike anyone else)

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for the wonderfully supportive comment.

[@mickbotcast]

I did watch the eye of one person I try to check if she seek trouble, her eye is dead with no emotion and is a bit more slant than usual when she told the story that obviously bad if I believe it.

[@davodavo1782]

Thanks for raising this so overlooked aspect of Thai culture and relationships.Too many times seen the unfortunate fall out of a foreigner not understanding this with the consequences being even fatal in the extreme example. Best if you have upset someone rightly or wrongly is to try and seek blame for the situation, usually leads to a positive resolution in my experience. Another trip wire in Thai/foreigner relationships to watch out for is sarcasm. Being of an Anglo/Irish background sarcasm (black humour) pops up daily but just doesn't seem to cut too well with the average Thai.

[@Ned88Man]

of course it wouldn't. Humour never really translates into different cultures, especially given a language difference. Plus, disrespecting someone or causing a loss of face has potential to be serious anywhere in the world. For example, say the wrong thing to someone somewhere at the wrong time, you could potentially encounter violence..

[@Mozzermarr10]

11 years I’ve been here and I learned more from this interview than I have in my entire stay.

[@silverfox6883]

So you haven’t learnt to speak Thai in 11 years … ?

[@Mozzermarr10]

@@silverfox6883 no. Other projects sidelined me. I also remember not ever using Korean after I left there so I’m not so interested in putting in the effort again. I might one day but I’m not too bothered right now.

[@Mozzermarr10]

Also he was talking about culture and not just language.

[@silverfox6883]

@@Mozzermarr10 I can’t fathom how anyone can live in another country for so long and not learn the language? I’m also amazed Pete can hardly speak Thai when he should also be fluent after a decade. This reflects poorly on the individual. I really do think native English speakers are very arrogant because we have the language of commerce and thus don’t try to expand our linguistics. It also means you’re not really present in the place and just floating on the surface in a very shallow pond. I just witnessed an old Italian guy today obviously married to a Thai try to sell his neighbour (the local laundry lady) some olive oil and he couldn’t even speak any Thai. It’s just lazy and ignorant in my opinion. I felt embarrassed for him. Then she turns to me and tells me the cost in Thai and I paid her the correct amount. In a short time of being her customer she respects me because I speak some Thai yet just turned her back on him and he has lived next to her for years. Same goes for people who move to the West and not learn English. Sad really, and quite arrogant in my opinion. I try to learn and speak some Thai every day, and it’s not easy, but the Thais really appreciate it and warm to you and are happy to teach you. It makes each interaction so much more satisfying. I see you’re a teacher? But the best teachers are always students. You will always just be another farang on the exterior in Thailand with your attitude, bro. If you had learned Thai you would have known all this already …

[@Mozzermarr10]

@@silverfox6883 yeah you’ve got a point but considering I am just temporarily here, In that Thais don’t give out citizenship like the West, and this could all end tomorrow If I lose my work visa (you understand this right), I never felt the urge. I should , and I will, but other projects sort of kept me occupied. But yes, it is about time I put in a better effort.

[@OLE-53240]

I really want foreigners to watch this episode for learn indeed Thai culture.Good job.❤❤🙏👍👍

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for the lovely comment.

[@loopvil369]

its mainly having some basic emotional intelligence. not all foreigners are thick

[@khomnett4449]

Mr.Moore พูด โดนใจ, ถูกใจ ใช่เลย.. คุณ อยู่ประเทศไทย นาน จนกระทั่ง เข้าใจ วัฒนธรรมไทย หลายๆเรื่อง..

[@SoulfullyMyself]

What a great discussion! I had read about jai already but this was explained with such emotional fluency that it made more sense! I've experienced a few cases of nam jai, situations as described in the video, like letting someone go before you in a queue, or giving them way, etc and the reaction from the Thais has always been so grateful and at times surprised! Many foreigners complain that Thais don't like them but so far by showing kindness I've not had any major negative interactions, so it's very much about how you behave yourself, after all we are guests 😊

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Antonella.

[@skygypsy2718]

Excellent! Thanks so much….I love traveling and Southeast Asia is my favorite part of the world. I got two of Mr Moore’s books on kindle on Amazon so I can take them with me on my next trip there without the weight of actual books in my suitcase….please have him back soon so we can all benefit from his knowledge of Thailand. What a thoughtful and kind person….

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for the kind comments. I hope that you will enjoy my books and provide some guidance to your own journey.

[@Baloybeach]

You really have a talent Pete and I'm in awe of your ability to find such interesting people to interview.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks, I do seem to meet interesting people. Maybe it’s the luck of the Irish

[@Ned88Man]

I think that not wanting to embarrass people or cause confrontation is actually a very human thing. I think us westerners actually are very concerned about face as well, we just don't necessarily call it that. A lot of these concepts are rather straightforward, but this videos makes it seem like they are more complex than they really are. Basically it comes down to: treat people with respect and try not to rock the boat...That's simply a human trait, nothing else. Also, Christopher's examples of people losing face are basically times that he confronted people who were speaking behind his back. He states they lost face from this. Try doing this anywhere in the world and the reaction will be the same. It's a mortifying thing for anyone to be on the receiving end of such a thing, but I don't necessarily think it really comes down to 'face' and the Thai concept of it... Also, who butts into someone's private conversation between two people in the manner that he explained,? that's kind of not really a cool thing to do anywhere and is liable to embarrass everyone involved. Why do it? I also think that if you are going to criticize someone anywhere in the world, it's best to do it one on one, I would never dream of calling someone out in a group of people, it's just not the proper thing to do. Also, he TOTALLY butchers the pronunciation of "Greng Jai"....

[@teacherandrii8417]

Thank you Pete for such a wonderful and deep conversation I was enjoying every second of this video and didn’t want it to end. Keep it up mate🙏

[@ChristoperGMoore]

What a lovely comment! Thank you.

[@teacherandrii8417]

​@@ChristoperGMoore I am blessed by Christopher Moore's comment! Now I'm definitely buying your book. The topic of "Jay" is something that unfortunately I couldn't find in any other culture and your opened answer regarding it plunged me into deep reflection and rethinking my experience of living in Thailand and the question of why I stayed there for such a long time and absolutely and irrevocably fell in love with the place. Thank you too, Christopher!

[@jimmyg4428]

Could listen to this conversation for hours .. was very interesting and helpful Ty

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomasjennings2790]

Very exited to hear when you mentioned " saving face " lol been hear 7 year's and yes, you see this almost every day haha. Thankyou so much keep up the classic work as always. After watching the whole video at one time, i can safely say that you both have enlightened most farangs heart's within a very short time and not only farangs heart's, our loved ones heart's hear also in Thailand like our partners and everyone in our household. It brings a more compassionate understanding of the differences between farang and Thai people. If we could all be more compassionate in life, the world would almost be a perfect world. Thanks Pete and best of luck to you,your family and friends. Thanks Mr Moore.

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Thomas and thank you for the kind words

[@TrippyandDa]

Fascinating stuff Pete. Makes me realise I must learn Thai before I retire in Thailand 🇹🇭

[@silverfox6883]

You will only really learn Thai living in Thailand and immersing yourself in the language and culture …

[@BennieTarrMusic]

A little bit goes a long way...

[@bn6452]

Thank you so much to interview and save thai culture, I'm shared. 😊

[@JasonRuppVlog]

Awesome!!

[@mitchelljarvis2010]

I have a story about ‘Face’ which some might find interesting! I was with my ex….a Thai girl and I was in the room on Koh Chang suffering with a bit of sunstroke! I was hungry and asked her to go next door to 7-11 for a ham/cheese toasted sandwich. She returned with some weird spicy burgers that I just could not stomach. I was a bit annoyed and asked her why she brought me these! She told me 7-11 had sold out of ham/cheese toasties so she thought I might like the burgers because farangs like burgers! I was starving by this point and decided to go to 7-11 by myself and see what I could eat. I headed to the sandwich section and what did I find? Yep, ham/cheese toasted sandwich. Upon later questioning her further it turned out that when she was looking for my food another farang was hogging the sandwich area, taking his time deciding what to buy! Rather than ‘lose face’ and asking him to move over so she could get a toastie, she just went to a different section and bought me something completely different!

[@marcoswilliams2261]

Hello Mitchell 👋 How are you doing?

[@herecomesforego1787]

@@marcoswilliams2261 great story and why I remain single even in my home country 😂

[@singas2854]

Sometimes it’s just easier to eat

[@apelox]

This situation doesn't sound like she was afraid of 'losing face' to me as a Thai, unless she stated so. It sounds more like Krengjai... Someone, like me, can be too krengjai to the point someone jokingly point we have 'krengjai syndrome'. We're afraid of upsetting others then going the extra mile to avoid causing a scene/conflict so we could hardly speak up for ourselves, especially when that person looks intimidating in some ways. However, I have no idea why she felt the need to make up a story for you...🤥If she wasn't afraid of upsetting you (which could end up causing a fight/quarrel/drama?), but instead feeling embarrassed that she couldn't have done simple task then this could probably be called 'afraid of losing face' . It will definitely be 'afraid of losing face', if the reason was that she unintentionally bought wrong thing at first but didn't want to accept her mistake. Pride and embarrassment are very important in 'getting face' and 'losing face'. Asking a stranger farang to move has nothing to do with pride. If the farang refused you wouldn't lose face, unless you were an authority figure or that farang's boss.

[@vassanab4243]

Dude you are confused. This is not losing face. She was just ‘kreng jai’ = don’t wanna disturb someone. Many Farang still confuse about what is losing face, the nearest is feeling ‘being insulted’

[@mickeyp5122]

Thanks for this Pete. I have been married for over 20 years to a Thai Woman and have just learned so many more things from your video. Very interesting. Hope your having a fantastic day Buddy!

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Mickey

[@cwinasia]

So glad you came back for a second interview and touched on Heart Talk 🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad you enjoyed it Christopher

[@cwinasia]

@@ThairishTimes unfortunately doesn't look easy to find a third edition right now. Seems to be out of stock in Thailand and what I saw on Amazon, doesn't ship to Thailand.

[@Naturalwigsandvigs]

This was exactly what I needed! Thank you! I'm going to buy the book now🙏

[@ThairishTimes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BadApana]

What a wonderful opening to my exploration of my Thai family. I am excited.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

We connect through language. Your Thai family will appreciate your efforts to speak Thai.

[@BadApana]

@@ChristoperGMoore thank you.

[@patrickrussell6216]

Brilliant explanation on the importance of respect and the benefits of a good heart ❤

[@mihaiscarlatescu6597]

Great interview. Thank you.

[@mintida3112]

Thanks!

[@davidarmstrong2748]

Great interview. The "Heart" books are fascinating and instructive. I have read all of Christopher's "Calvino" books - detective stories with a bonus: they all tell readers a lot about Thai culture

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for a wonderful comment!

[@trevoraindow2440]

Very interesting was that. I often wondered about the endless use of "Jai" a heart word often used in conversation.

[@oywatters9415]

Very interesting interview Pete, hit it on the head of a nail. Christopher's amazing, I need to get his "Jai" book, looks like it's self explanatory and a must read book 👍 What can I say, thank you Pete 🙏 (❤️🇹🇭)

[@ThairishTimes]

You're very welcome Oy

[@oywatters9415]

@@ThairishTimes Went straight on Amazon for the book, only had kindle 😢!

[@ian-wu2bb]

I love the respect shown older people in Thailand. Something we have lost in Australia. Example at my wifes house in Isaan ( Which is our base when there) Her mother had to move out and into grandmas house next door because our heads could not be higher than hers. An as we had the second floor she could not stay beneath us. Visiting grandma we had to kneel while she sat on a bench. Personally I love that sort of ettiquette. It will never happen in the west. But I do try very hard to comply with the customs of Isaan and I know that I have the full respect of my wifes family because of my attempts to get it right.

[@ian-wu2bb]

@@afg197 I can endure the floor for a short time because a chair would put me higher than Grandma who is on a low bed.

[@silverfox6883]

The West is a hollow culture. I’m keen to keep learning Thai language so I can really get deeper inside the culture …

[@davidb2206]

Only they will never apply the same respect for an older farang. I was always polite and respectful, as a rule. I learned to use "krap," even with cab drivers and the lowest caste in the Thai hierarchy. I experienced PLENTY of rudeness and open disrespect from Thais, all around the country, over the course of nearly ten years. My age meant nothing to them.

[@karl4683]

I think one thing these Thailand gurus often forget to mention is that Thailand and thais (from their perspective) is it's own planet and farangs and others come from another part of the solar system. There is a huge divide between Thai and farang that can never be bridged fully. This divide doesn't neceseraly contain any animosity but sometimes it surely does.

[@andynogood]

This is the best interviev i saw on your channel!

[@alanoconnor7967]

Great video. Very good points. Makes you think. Maybe he's book should be sold at the airport as travel requirements.

[@ThairishTimes]

Wouldn’t be a bad idea Alan

[@ChristoperGMoore]

The books were once available at airports in Thailand. But they are no longer stocked.

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

some good info in this interview .... opens your eyes a bit

[@ViewTalay]

Thanks Pete and Christopher, that was fascinating and educational.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

I'm glad that you enjoyed our discussion.

[@nando7177]

Once again, great interview. Thanks.

[@isanmick]

Great discussion, I would like more of these please.

[@California511]

Thanks 2 all of you, that’s another excellent interview 👍🏻

[@wytchend]

Hi Pete, you work hard to get the most interesting interviews. Well done mate. Christopher is a very interesting guy indeed

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, I enjoyed making this one

[@dominiquelaurain6427]

Thanks Pete. I learned a lot from your video. Until now, I knew only Christopher G. Moore from his name on book covers (various bookstores in Thailand)..but I discovered that he has great thai culture. I will try to read books again. His "heart" book is a great one for thai language learning,

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for those kind words, Dominique.

[@martypoll]

An interesting circumstance in Face cultural practice is the status of Thai women married to westerners, the mia farang. I’ve seen the awkwardness in my Thai wife’s interactions with the villagers when we go there. Her status has changed and everyone is trying to recalibrate. And yes, it is awkward for me to have implicit status the details of which I don’t fully understand.

[@jackh1749]

Great interview!!! I learned a lot. Thanks to your guest and to you for having him on your show.. 🙏👍

[@DynamiteDB]

Pete is such a likeable dude. Love the channel bud.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate ☺️

[@petermkelly]

Another excellent video, very educational. Christopher has a wealth of knowledge!

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, Peter!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Peter

[@martypoll]

A good book about “Face” in Thailand is, “The Way Thais Lead: Face as Social Capital” by Larry Persons

[@ThairishTimes]

Here's my interview with Dr Larry kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_PZZeff99ggNU

[@richardevans3801]

Thank you. I learnt something in another great interview Pete.

[@lordbarondk]

Never watched any of your videos. Never watches a YT-video twice. Did both with this today. Thanx mate 👍👏

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Great comment. Thank you.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks so much

[@richardhaughton4303]

A great lesson from someone who has been a working Farang in Thailand

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, Richard

[@pokeamaniwillnotbereplaced]

Hi, I enjoyed your interview with good information and intelligent insights. I have summarised this and my summary is if you have anything negative to say to a Thai person do it in private and never in front of anyone. Be humble and respectful at all times because mainly you will be treated with respect. Take care GOD Bless you and yours. M

[@ChristoperGMoore]

You've summarized the lesson very well.

[@stockmonster79]

I picked up the book not got it yet but heart is always a good place to start

[@johnravese4513]

Very well explained 👍

[@orawancarlile6192]

This interview is very interesting indeed even for a Thai, myself.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, hun Orawan. If you pay attention, Thai people will share their culture with you.

[@chrisrb2001]

Very interesting video, enjoyed it a lot, thank you :)

[@santiagonavesgomez8332]

Fantastic

[@อัชรากีระติชัยนันท์-ฝ5ฦ]

ฉันชอบรายการนี้❤

[@vKSh87]

Thank you for the very interesting interview 🙏🏾

[@JuJu-ml5ej]

Excellent discussion! Should be required viewing by anyone from the West wanting to visit the East.

[@jOeLwAlBy]

Sometimes it's just the north Americans who need to hear this, in Europe people are more of a mix between eastern and north American thinking. We have more consideration for others and less brashness than north Americans on average but not as much as eastern cultures typically.

[@jOeLwAlBy]

It's not as big of an adjustment for us

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

keep 'em coming mate . top notch

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate 😃

[@chopperman10]

Gday Pete, only been a subscriber a few months but absolutely love your informative content. Great mix of people being interviewed and subject matter. Great work mate 👍

[@wasuinaus]

Another great interview. Just came across your channel accidentally a few days ago, watched many interviews and really enjoyed them. As a Thai man moving out of Thailand for a better life, it is Interesting to know how foreigners think about the country I escaped ( and unlikely to go back for a long haul) 😂

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate. Best of luck to you 👍🏼

[@jamescasey611]

Loving this intro music....attitude..sassey, owning this... Great work all round Pete 👏 👏

[@markdamon6696]

I appreciate the insight and examples given.

[@PaulWalliswriter]

Another fascinating interview Pete!

[@ThairishTimes]

Cheers Paul

[@neilsmith6333]

All companies in Thailand that employ westerners should show them this - Christopher is a great teacher.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you Neil for your kind words.

[@nathansmith6451]

Excellent.

[@derekbuckley7695]

Enjoyed that very interesting, cheers

[@JimL666]

Very enjoyable!!! I just finished his book Spirit House. Btw, I was born in New York city but my parents came from Leitrim and Offaly.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, Jim. I hope that you enjoyed Spirit House.

[@JimL666]

@@ChristoperGMoore I did enjoy it and will continue reading more of your books.

[@timpye6162]

Very helpful, thankyou. As a potential purchaser of Heart Talk I was curious as to how the book is Indexed if one was looking for the appropriate term in a specific context

[@nokchilton1562]

Splendid interview! Thank you both of you..,

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you Khun Not for leaving such a kind comment.

[@dariodimartino7806]

🤩 wow I have Never seen such an in in depth description about Thai Culture. Don’t mind me being married to a Thai for 3 years and living here for 5 speaking the language. I have always wondered how to put it into words!

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, Dario for your kind words.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Dario 👍🏼👍🏼

[@dariodimartino7806]

@@ChristoperGMoore thank you sir 🙏

[@jimshelley8831]

Great blog and an education lesson in the culture in Thailand

[@im7348]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@matthewbriggs9414]

This is gold

[@Boddav]

Thanks Pete,excellent session. Maybe I can find Mr Moore's work in Asia Books.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thanks for the kind words, David. If you are in Bangkok, you might try Dasa Bookstore on Sukhumvit Road near the Emporium shopping mall. Dasa carries second hand books.

[@Boddav]

@@ChristoperGMoore -Aha! No more need to go to Khao San for bargain books.Thanks.

[@judyengle7728]

Great informative video.

[@LUCKHEF]

Good content

[@RobFomenko]

Excellent video. As others have said. I learned a lot. I had an episode while in Bangkok that could have gotten out of hand. Luckily I hadn't drank that much so it didn't. I had been in the bar for several hours buying all the girls drinks, having the time of my life and I had brought only enough money to have a good time. No credit card. ATM card. So I started pulling the receipts out of the bucket. Checking to make sure I wasn't going over what I had in my pocket. The girls got all upset questioning why I was doing that and didn't I not trust them?! My main concern was to not lose face over not having enough money to pay the bill. Yet. They thought that I felt they were cheating me. Which wasn't the case. At first I started getting irritated about it because she kept saying why you checking why you checking? And my response was why shouldn't I check? Like as if we were going to have a serious conversation. But I was new in Thailand and still am wet behind the ears so to speak. But I realize that I needed to changed my tact so I explained to her why and that calmed them down. Three of them so does they could get pretty loud. I had just enough money left in my pocket to have a beer on the way back to the hotel at a different place that doesn't have that kind of environment. All good. These girls kind of are friends of mine now and two of them I talked to regularly. When I go back to Bangkok I will spend time with them. Separately. Have a lot to learn about the Thai culture and I appreciate this video for helping that along.

[@GalwayBluebird]

Excellent video, everything is based on your heart. When ever you are making a decision Thai people will always tell you go with your heart, think the heart is to go with what you really want but your head will always make you think twice about what you do. Think people in South East Asia are way happier people with a lot less than what people have in the western world. Look at the schools here everything is geared to enjoyment and happiness. Great video Pete love the different spectrum of people you interview.

[@ThairishTimes]

Yep some of the happiest people i’ve met here are poor if we are judging by finances but they’re far richer than most in the west if we are judging by happiness. I always think that going with your heart is similar to going with your gut maybe there’s more emotion with going by the heart though

[@GalwayBluebird]

@@ThairishTimes exactly happiness is what you make of the situation that you are in, find thai culture very similar to Irish culture in a way especially in issan. What ever little money you have, you went and spent it on a good time. Some of my happiest memories have been meeting with my thai friends a bottle of sangsom a few bottles of chang, street food and a small music player on the side of the street.

[@ThairishTimes]

If you enjoyed this check out another one I did about the culture of saving face in Thailand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ_PZZeff99ggNU

[@KarmaCal57]

I'm from the UK and I was always told to respect my elders when I was growing up.

[@markshepperson3603]

Respect is one thing. Social hierarchy based on who was born first with no regard for education/knowledge is what’s in play here.

[@silverfox6883]

Unfortunately that’s long gone in the crumbling Western culture …

[@kittenastrophy5951]

@@markshepperson3603 You're misled. It's not that simplistic.

[@SquintyTV]

Very informative Pete ,, Good topic ,, thanks 🙏

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thanks, James.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks James 🇮🇪👍🏼

[@brianhughes3690]

wise man. thanks

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you, Brian. I wish I were wise.

[@PJ33333]

As a manager I’ve always said “Praise publicly, punish privately”.

[@ThairishTimes]

Cool I like that

[@karenk3593]

I would love to attend a Master Class by Mr. Moore on Thai culture.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

Mr. Moore has a great way of explaining how face works in Thailand. I had to laugh about the story in the lift. Had many similar encounters myself almost daily since many Thais think I can not understand what they are saying. Most of the time just curious what I am doing. The worst case was two older Thai women walking past me in a restaurant as one mentioned sitting with me and the other shouted I do not sit with foreigners. I almost said something but instead just glared at the women for a long period of time. What I do not agree with is using face as a shield to avoid taking responsibility for your actions. I have my limits with it.

[@silverfox6883]

Totally agree. Probably why the footpaths and many roads are in such disrepair …

[@Ned88Man]

but those examples aren't really classic or necessarily good examples of what "face'' is. Those are basically just times that he called out people that didn't think he understood what they were saying. That is a mortifying thing to have happen to ANYONE regardless of where you are in the world and is not really about "face" per se and more about realizing that someone understood what was being said about them by you and you were in turn embarrassed by that. Very little to do with "face" in the Thai concept of it. The same thing could happen anywhere in the world and the reactions would be the same.

[@jamesbarclay8430]

Very interesting interview.

[@ccrider8483]

15:20 "This is a patronage culture", I have never heard it expressed that way before and it makes sense. So is a culture based upon loyalty a good thing at the exclusion of critical thinking and questioning the status quo? As a westerner I think not, but I try to keep an open mind.

[@ibrahimrahim8714]

This was interesting

[@ptanisaro]

Love the interview! As a Thai, I can confirm he is a Thai guru.

[@ThairishTimes]

glad you enjoyed it Pattreeya

[@keepitrollin3977]

Hey Pete.interesting info from your guest thank u.i always look from people who has jai dee.keep it rollin

[@jackhusbands9932]

Very interesting!

[@truckerfromreno]

An excellent video.

[@pamgobaira4587]

Thank you so much for speaking with Christopher again. How interesting. Could listen to him all day. Funny thing, l named my first son Jai 38 years ago and didn't realise it meant heart.❤️

[@glenloader639]

" Jai " also refers to the " mind "

[@jonhobson3592]

Enjoyed this Pete ..

[@rainyseason4581]

I never read his book before but would like to add some information here. Jaai Dum (Black heart / dark heart / no light in heart) = Selfish / lack of generosity / lack of kindness / unfriendly Although the meaning is negative sometimes Thais use it to tease friends depending of circumstances. There is another word meaning similar “Jaai Jerd” Thais often use them together “Jaai jerd Jaai dum” Greng Jaai = do not want to make others feel troubled and annoyed Nam Jaai (water given with heart / water given from heart / water from heart ) = generosity / true heart In the old days Thai people placed a small blister of water with dipper along the way or in front of their houses for people who passing by to drink to quench their thirsts free of charge. It is given to the travelers without specifics or knowing who they are. This is considered a great alms and reflects generosity to others. The word "Nam Jaai" might come from this custom.

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thanks for the reply. Heart Talk has 750 jai words. And I'm not certain that I found all of them!

[@rainyseason4581]

@@ChristoperGMoore If I read your book, I think I might find more.

[@angelcabales]

Very intelligent and interesting guy - really good

[@ChristoperGMoore]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@rodneyweeks3798]

UNREEL!!! much appreciated UNREEL!!!

[@ThairishTimes]

this video is real Rodney

[@rodneyweeks3798]

UNREEL!!! from me as taswegian, and 33 years in Thailand is betta than 111.99 Thumbs UP UNREEL!!!

[@Phat-Monkey]

Loved this one, kâe tam dtaam jai dtua ayng gôr por :D

[@atumcommel]

Hey Pete, there's something i noticed in thais that i was shocked, and i'm surprised i haven't seen yet been approached here. Perhaps was just that group of people, or maybe something reflected on more rural areas. It's related to how thais shift their behaviour and attitudes when there's money involved. From a chilled environment, suddendly they become serious. And i'm not talking about any amount that is worth fighting for. What shocked me is that i was hanging out with a small group of thais for a while who were bartenders (a normal live music bar) and i never seen that coming.

[@atumcommel]

Forgot to mention, this was experienced with girls, the guys couldn't care less :D

[@Tom-Yum-Gai]

tip of the iceberg....you could do a weekly show with this guy. Or a Live stream if someone helped view comments/questions.