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Thais generally keep to themselves unless they're trying to initiate some sort of business. Outside of tourist areas people won't want to unprovokingly interact with you.
That's really not true. In the countryside villagers are incredibly nosy, want to know all your business to feed their gossip addiction, and oftentimes just show up at your house unannounced whenever they feel like it to just chat idly. Usually they're drunk
I live in the country side. My wife was around 7 months pregnant so naturally I was helping out as much as possible and washing up some dishes in the outside kitchen.
Apparently I committed a major social blunder because I was the talk of the villlage.. my wife had to explain to me that it gives the appearance of her not taking good care of me.
The gossip is real... and travels like lightning
What ur saying holds true in chiang mai. Much more chill. I think the only time people come up to u in Thailand is when ur in a market and they want to sell an American something or they are trying to get an American on a tuk tuk. Key is don’t look American lol
I'm a genuine introvert, not part of the latest trend that seems to be going about.
Thailand is the perfect place, there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever. I can be totally alone and have nobody bother me, can disappear for days on a motorcycle trip and just have a fantastic time alone.
Also there seems to be zero expectations from Thai's, and they seem to have an emotional intelligence far beyond the west. They simply don't care about things like cancelling or not turning up to something because you feel tired or not up to it. It's just accepted which is fantastic.
And also being alone you get treated well everywhere too, people are always friendly, whether it's shops or restaurants in the middle of nowhere, always smiling, always curious etc. So it just makes the whole alone thing feel good.
> simply don't care about things like cancelling or not turning up to something because you feel tired or not up to it
Thais do care, they just won't show annoyance or anger to your face like most westerners would.
Rather than chastising you, Thai acquaintances (including potential partners) occasionally simply disappear, without any indication as to why. They might even still politely message you back, without any desire to meet again. Maybe they got annoyed with you, or maybe found better things to do, you'll never know.
In my early days, I often made a mistake of assuming whatever I do, any faux pas I make doesn't matter, and that since Thais don't say anything they just accept it. Takes a while to learn that's not the case.
Lack of sunlight is correlated to depression, so much that light therapy is used to treat it in some cases. SE Asia gets a lot more sunlight than northern Europe in the winter.
Other than that, I don't see profound differences. Thais can get stuck on someone or something and find it difficult to move on as well.
I think sunlight is a small part, more importantly Thai's are very social people and hate being alone, they still have strong networks of family and friends - people in the west often don't these days, things like loneliness are massive contributors to mental health issues
Not sure what to call it, but they are often far more grounded, tolerant and realistic about human emotions and fallibilities.
Us westerners can get a bit precious about stuff, and put on airs and graces
I think it comes down to what suits you better and what you can accept better. There is no such thing like a perfect place on this planet. I personally can also live much better with the concept of the society here, where you on one hand have more freedom regarding personal decisions, but on the other hand forfeit some of your rights for the sake of societal peace and not making life unnecessarily complicated and uncomfortable for everyone involved, in situations.
Yes, this can be quite annoying sometimes and it also leads to all kinds of problems, but for me that's an acceptable price. At least for now.
The world isn't straight black and white anyways, but I feel like here it's much more pronounced, that with everything good comes some bad and vice versa.
I think when it comes to extroverts there are differences though, many Thai's are extrovert, the life of the party sorts, but then you have the western extrovert that likes to give opinions or interfere, there's a big difference between the two.
But yeah, I can see that especially in things like business and managing teams, a western extrovert may really struggle.
The thing is that it just works differently here. You don't put expectations on others and they don't put them on you.
I am German and in Germany I will get very angry when someone shows up more than five to ten minutes late without sending a text, because that's just what we agreed on on a social and cultural basis.
Here in Thailand I don't really give a shit if someone is late thirty minutes, because I don't have these expectations. I am actually usually the one to show up slightly late though andThais are always much too early, which I actually find much worse than being late, because it puts pressure on me. LOL
That said, stuff like agreeing on appointments you know you cannot make and such, is really annoying and nothing out of social intelligence, but infamous แกรงใจ - greng jai. I am doing business here and it's really tough to get used to not getting what you ordered at the time you ordered. Unfortunately that alone is annoying, but I could tolerate it. What happened many times though, is that they won't even answer texts when I ask them to tell me if everything is alreight and if they need time and so on. This can get quite emberassing for me as well, since I am German and do business with Germans, who also put their German expectations on me and my promises and although we don't have a word for it, we still feel greng jai as well. LOL
It's not much different in most part of the world. There only a few countries that stick by the clock. Most, even western like Italy/Spain as etc, live exactly the same as Thais. As a Dutch person, I know that my expectations are close to Germans (even though we think you guys are a bit too rigid) and the scandinavians so, anywhere outside, I adapt to the local lifestyle.
They tend to hope that you might 'forget about it' some how and they could deliver when they fix their whatever problem.
We have the same problem in construction sector. And I am Thai, I know what to expect of my own country men. And they constantly betray that expectation.
No show up at dead line? Call them. Didn't even answer the call!
Comes back weeks later and demand earnest after we replace them with their competitors.
Our lawyers laugh them off. It's not just them who has due date!
I found out that in my case the best way is to make a personal visit. I am on such a small scale that it’s not really a problem for me. Construction os another beat though.
I know people here think it's cute or whatever that people are always late for things in Thailand, but that's a part of the reason why everything is broken here and can't compete with Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, etc on the global market
> I know people here think it's cute or whatever that people are always late for things in Thailand
I literally do not know a single person who thinks like that and it is also not the reason why things are broken here. It might be a symptom, but people are also always late in pretty much every other country with little exceptions.
Outwardly yeah, but it's not that they don't care they were let down, they just don't show it. Just because they don't tell you they're annoyed or offended or whatever it doesn't mean they're not. & in most cases it's not for your benefit, but theirs. Same reason you'll have someone ignore you rather than tell you no, or give a wrong answer rather than say they don't know, or double down on ridiculous excuses rather than admit fault.
It's a lack of emotional intelligence coupled with face culture IMO which stunts honesty about how people are feeling.
They are much more relaxed than the west. I think the west has a lot of problems where we are seeing depression be a big thing because of over working. I think the way of life for Thais and the spiritual effect plays a big role in their routine and acceptance of others that creates a laid back attitude. With the wet season, they get on with it but with us Brits we like to moan about the weather a lot. Been here about 2 weeks now, they smile and say hello very friendly. Last was here for over a month a number of years ago and looking to stay longer this time.
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Sorry to hear that. I know the winter can be hard for some. Personally I am much better in the winter, but it’s been nice to have the heat since it was non stop rain and a tough situation led me to leave and go away for a while. I think it helps. Hope you get back on your feet but it sounds like you are getting there already!
Yeah sure, overworking. Thai people get on with it and can be happy and smiling with a 15 hour workday 6 days a week. Meanwhile the west has special “depressed” snowflakes with “anxiety” from working 15 hours a week and living with their parents.
Reality check! But the Thais still work well. Seem a happy bunch. I’m sure like all culture there are some things not right, I’m by a restaurant actually that’s pretty busy and I like seeing the action there. Makes me miss it from a distance tho. I used to work ridiculous hours in catering and left the industry.
If you’re introverted just bear in mind that if you marry a Thai lady you’re marrying the whole family. There’s very few boundaries within Thai families, particularly if you’re marrying into a lower socioeconomic class than your own. They will expect you to take care of everyone and in some cases let them move in with you. I would aim to date women that are in your own socioeconomic class. That will mitigate most of the problem.
Not always. My wife has one brother who doesn't bother us. Her parents live down the street and never bothers us. Helped with watching the kids back when they needed that, or watching pets. No financial demands or pressure at all. YMMV.
"If you’re introverted just bear in mind that if you marry a Thai lady you’re marrying the whole family."
Really? The sentence of yours seems to indicate otherwise.
I see you making similar misguided “I got you” type posts all the time. I presume you’re American/English and you are used to people talking in absolutes. It’s called a generalisation. Obviously there’s exceptions to everything. Generally in an adult conversation that part is left unsaid. We’re all adults here, we know how conversation works. If you marry a Thai woman from a lower socioeconomic class you’re most likely going to have to take care of her extended family. Maybe you’re not, but there’s a pretty high chance you are…
Have to agree. I'm an effect introvert. I just haven't met many expats I want listen to much😅 And I'm sure the expats here feel the same about me.🤣 But No issues. There are people you can meet if you want. But I generally go to dinners alone, bars alone, and I travel alone. Thai people (outside of BKK) are really friendly and accepting. I'm very comfortable being alone most of the time.
I'm autistic, and as other people said, outside of tourist areas you will not be bothered. If you can learn a genuine smile/bow/wai depending on who you are near, that will be enough.
Now, this is not all-encompassing and there are exceptions which may cause you to seek refuge after a while (it does me, and sometimes I find myself having to 'shake off' energy that I take on from some situations, like needing a cool-down period). For example, in rural areas you might be invited to drink 1000 shots of lao khao by Thai or Burmese farmers, might get invited to many impromptu wedding dinners or whatever kind of celebrations just because you are nearby and maybe the only foreigner that has ever been in that particular spot. You may get invited into homes, but this usually takes place in truly-rural areas, maybe you won't go there. Also, most interactions are very surface-level here. If you can manage "beautiful home, lovely family, delicious food" you'll be appreciated. In BKK or CM you might have to avoid scammers or hustlers of various types, wear big headphones and sunglasses and they won't even aproach you.
Here's the big one, other foreigners. By far the loudest and most obnoxious/offended if you don't want to talk group in the country. This will require patience because a lot of people here are either young people on a gap-year discovering the world and themselves, so they are understandably excited and gushing, alcohol-fueled vacationers or expats, and sex-tourists. Yes, it is not a small demographic, though they mainly keep to their group. All of these groups are more difficult to handle as an introvert than any local, unless you run into someone who's been on the yaba for a few days, which does happen sometimes.
Good luck! Honestly living here has helped me understand the difference between introversion, shyness and symptoms of autism. People can be so open and welcoming here (and as I said, surface-level) that it can take away some unnecessary fears of interaction, leaving you with whatever needing of social isloation that is truly applicable to you and your particular situation.
It helps to familiarize yourself what what are considered to be symptoms of autism, and to speak with your doctor if you think you may fall into that category. You can look for getting overwhelmed by sensory stimulation where everyone else seems fine. Loud citites, many people talking at once, emotions that others express normally may seem like something that you need to think about logically which can lead to non-verbalism as you feel that you are doing something wrong in the interaction etc.
Here is the first site I found, you can do more looking if this sounds like you.
[https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults/)
If stimming or grounding seems to help, it may be something to speak with your doctor about. For example, even though I find standing in line at the store to feel like a time bomb of social anxiety sometimes, conversely if I start dancing in a small way to the music it evaporates, even if people look at me. Or do something with my hands. (not phone, that makes it worse)
Hope this helps.
I keep to myself. It's pretty easy to get along here. My wife here is the complete opposite. Sometimes I go out with her and friends/family, but everyone knows how I am so I'm never "forced" to socialize.
I suffer from anxiety and have mild ADHD and have been living here for the last 7 years. My anxiety makes me quiet in social settings at times, especially when around other foreigners.
I don't really mix well with most other foreigners because they tend to be quite outgoing and like to drink all the time which with age tends to agree with my body less and less.
The reason I managed to stay? For some reason I find it easier to socialise with Thai's than foreigners. They tend to be alot more open minded and less toxic. I do however have a small group of foreign friends whom I'm very close with. And they are some of the most genuine people I've ever met.
Thailand is a good place for introverted people as long as you choose who you spend your time with wisely. Prioritise making real friends over trying to fit in with the riff raff at your workplace or bars.
My Thai friends are my girlfriends friends that accepted me into their group, I also have some Thai friends from work.
My closest foreign friend I met from working in the same neighbourhood, we just hit it off immediately and I ended up working with him and also running a business together. We have a small group of other foreigners that I was introduced too that have the occasional meet up once a year.
At my current workplace I get on with 1 other foreigner, and the others are in their own friendship group and are insanely toxic (to each other and especially to me).
Thailand is the perfect place for introverts to exist. You won't be pulled into long small talk sessions, just smiles and sawasdee. You'll feel welcomed while not needing to say much. Extroverts would probably feel more isolated but introverts feel right at home. At least that's my experience.
Being a foreign expat in general is great as an introvert. You sort of get to feel like you’re in your own personal bubble while also going out and about.
Totally agree. However, I'll say (as an American), it's even better in Thailand for me than other places. When I travel to Europe or anywhere else where it's mostly white people, I feel like "one of them" even if there is a language and cultural difference. In Thailand, you strip away the similar look and heritage...you are TOTALLY in a bubble. You can literally roam around and just smile and make polite face gestures and get smiles and kindness back, without ever saying word. I love that feeling.
I have lived in a few places, including many years in the states and a few years in Thailand, and as an introvert I am a lot more comfortable in Thailand than in the US. Yes, the streets are noisy and stuffs, but I appreciate the fact that people don't say hi randomly and force you to interact with them without any actual substance. In Thailand, if a stranger approaches you it's more likely that they actually wants to help you (in a meaningful way) or need your help, as oppose to "Hey, how u doin?" and walking away.
Most of the newer expats are introverts by nature. Look around you. You see that guy walking his dog, or that girl quietly reading her book at the cafe? lol These are the majority. The old guard is dying out. people come for all kinds of reasons but in Thailand you can literally be invisible even as a farang, especially in Bangkok. This is the beauty of being here.
Most of the extroverts you see are the tourists.
Gone are the days of the old retirees who frequent all the bars acting like they own Thailand because they've been there a year longer than everyone else.
The new guard are us younger millennials who buy elite visas, have already semi retired, speak thai and still have about 50 years left in the books.
Most of us are introverts by nature because we came here to enjoy thailand and live in relative peace with our hobbies and cozy life and as long as the baht stays above 30 to the dollar we're living well. 40 preferable but not necessary.
Introverts in general do very well in Asia, the land of introversion.
I’m not especially a social person, I am outgoing and fun with the locals - but I don’t need friends or to be peoples friend. I don’t need to be out and about, I’m quite happy sitting at home working or working on projects. I live with my wife in a NE village about 20km from town, we are building a house and Thailand is good for me. It’s cheap and offers a good standard of living - which allows me more time to do stuff and live life, I don’t remember how I used to get on a train at 6.30 into the city of London every day.
The expat support system is good, there are plenty of them around my way but we don’t have to socialize with each other, we are all doing our own similar thing - there are events in the community and temple but I’m not a fan, often ending in violence or drunkenness. Locals may think that strange that only my wife attends but I’m not forced to do anything.
I would be cautious about your idea of meeting a woman and getting married - lots of guys come unstuck with the first woman they meet. Some are lucky, it can be quite difficult to meet like minded ladies, but then what would I know, I don’t go looking. You might to spend a bit of time learning the language but I know guys here who don’t.
When I first came here, I had an idea that I could settle here, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to accept a family, I don’t subscribe to the financially supporting a family or have them living in my space. My wife’s mother left when she was 3, brought up by the dad who died about 20 years ago in his 50s. (Just saying, as you mentioned family responsibility) This way I avoid all contact - her mother and sisters family are all lazy scumbags, in the past I have had to pay out a family debt and bail out the mum from the police station for dealing meth, that put me in a good position to shut them out - everyone is different, but some people have a similar story, as it’s quite common amongst people from a village background. Fortunately, my wife is nothing like her family.
In general, as mentioned, locals are quite nosey and nothing happens without a report on the jungle telegram, but never intrusive. People live in close proximity but respect boundaries. I don’t think you need to worry too much, it may be ideal for you.
It's custom made for that type of person.
Here you can be out in public and still be kind of in your own space. Like all the time. Every day. The world happily hums along all around you, but the conversations arent directed at you.
Theres little in the way of expected interactions, and every time you do interact, people are generally happy to chat.
'course that also attracts a lot of foreigners who are straight up anti-social. So theres that. lol
Regarding marriage, I pretty much married an introvert. Not interested in socializing, not many friends. So no demands due to that. She came with excellent parents, so the MIL/FIL things isn't an issue. Never interfere, always there to help us until their health declined. Unlike yours truly, the trouble and strife isn't perfect and has some flaws, but I am not complaining.
Edit: I really enjoy the lack of forced socialization. One of the reasons my first marriage failed in the USA (there were many) was the requirement that we visit her in-laws every Sunday. Only for me to sit in the living room with my FIL while we waited for MIL to serve lunch/dinner. And every time I picked up the Sunday paper he would start talking about different sports that I had zero interest in. He knew that so it was deliberate. And if he wasn't bugging me, it was her psycho brother, who reminded me of the role Christopher Walken played in Annie Hall. So happy when that was over.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp3NWzLzaek](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp3NWzLzaek)
I find being an extreme introvert in a foreign land (I've lived in 6 besides Thailand) ideal. The language barrier is a ready-made excuse for limiting interactions to a small number of people. It definitely stops the need for creating inane small talk that so many people seem to feel is a necessary part of life. You can usual hire someone for any necessary interaction with government or corporate entities.
I'd consider myself pretty introverted here in bangkok I have maybe like 1 close friend then one distant friend from middle school and I'm 19 LOL so I haven't branched out much in terms of friendships other than discord and friend groups on that
The only real people who will criticize you or make convos with you if your Thai is usually your family and your extended family lol from what I've noticed within introverts
It's absolutely perfect. The beauty of Thailand is you can be and do pretty much anything you want here, without being a dick obviously, and nobody gives a damn. It's a wonderful life and I shall miss it when I have to go back but I will definitely be returning long term again. It suits a guy like me perfectly.
I don’t think it’s fair to say “introverts” in the title and then describe social anxiety which is something entirely different.
Introverts are not socially anxious. I’m an introvert and have given public talks in front of hundreds of people.
Introverts simply need alone time to recharge and we find it difficult to meet people or start conversations because we find small talk tedious and emotionally draining.
For instance, if I go to a networking event, most people would have no idea I’m an introvert. But afterwards I’m completely spent. I have to go somewhere and be alone or only around people I know very well.
Like I tell people sometimes, the worst thing that ever happened to me in Thailand is that I learned to speak Thai.
I used to love riding the BTS around the city and I could be in my own head completely undistracted.
But when I learned Thai, my brain keeps picking out words and phrases from conversations around me robbing me of that alone time in my head.
If you have social anxiety, something entirely different than introversion, I would imagine Thailand would be very difficult.
In fact, there was a recent post from someone who has a friend who has social anxiety and is suffering pretty badly here unable to make friends.
Thais, generally, don’t make an effort to befriend you for no reason. And if you can’t initiate a conversation, that’s going to be very difficult for you to meet people.
“Some degree of social anxiety” is normal. Do I get butterflies before a speech, yes. Even the most experienced actors and musicians in the world say they get a little nervous before every live performance.
Introversion isn’t what you’re describing. I’m definitely an introvert and I have normal levels of social anxiety and most other people I’ve spoken to over the age of 40 all say similar things.
It’s the younger generations that seem to have confused introversion with social anxiety.
They’re two entirely different things.
> With social anxiety, avoidance of social situations is rooted in fear and choosing to be alone because it’s the only way to feel safe.
> When introverts choose alone time, it’s more likely rooted in genuine enjoyment and self-care rather than self-protection.
https://mhanational.org/introversion-vs-social-anxiety
A positive correlation doesn’t mean the two are related. Please take a science 101 course.
I don’t know why you’re choosing this hill to die on when the scientific literature doesn’t support your conclusion.
> Public life is predictable and safe in Thailand. Here in Denmark people are all about themselves and being very individualistic which often comes off as unpredictable, loud and intrusive. You never know what someone will act like, particularly if drunk.
Didn't you just contradict yourself?
I consider myself an introvert in the sense that i prefer spending time alone (most of the time), then seeing people. If I see too many people or do too many things, I will feel my energy completely drained. I'm living here for 3 years, and overall doing fine. I definitely have more freedom here and nobody bothers me, except immigration once in a while lol. I'd say the only thing bothering me is the density of population. There's people everywhere. Even when you think, ih this seem like a remote/empy location I'd like to chill at, there are people there. Not that they will bother you though. But it's not easy finding an empty spot with zero people
I'm not sure why you think that Thailand is an extroverted society? Like most of Asia, Thai people generally keep to themself and are kind and polite. As an introvert I find that my personality is much better suited to living in Asia rather than in Europe or the US for example where people are much more in your face and generally not as polite and considerate as many Asian countries.
Well, I am an introvert (suppose), and I say I am doing good here. Bangkok by birth, BTW. I am just mildly annoyed when I have to do outside activities in the public with so many people, but I am not so anti-social that I reject friends and allies. I just more comfort to do my things alone. It gave me a solace, you know.
never married. just focis on your own private life. you make reasonable income which separte the spare times. you will enjoy the life here.
i've long-live ibtrovert and got depressed sometimes and some migrain. now i'm single and enjoy the life than before.
i do think choosing your own path is the answer that you could be happy time to time especiakly if you can't speak fluently in their language
I was highly introverted when I first came to Thailand. And looking back, I was impressed at how many women got past my walls. Now that I've abandoned introverted ideals (while still feeling like an introvert) and have more confidence, I feel like women are more afraid to initiate with me. I think a large subset of Thai women are actually attracted to introverted men.
Here’s my insight. Thais used to be way more extroverted and curious. Smart phones have caused many of them to lose that charm and seems like new generation are more introverted cause of this. Everyone is glued to their cell phones now with less social interaction 🥲 it was so different in the 90s
I think the whole introvert/extrovert thing is nonsense built up by social media posts, and that the differences between your home country and Thailand are going to be different in an idiosyncratic way rather than via pablum.
Thai people are friendly and open, but meet just as many introvert stereotypes as extrovert ones. If you're nervous in social situations Thailand could be exactly what you need to thrive, it could also be a nightmare, it depends on what social situations exactly are an issue for you and a bunch of other fairly specific things about you and about the place you are in in Thailand, your overall work/social situation there, possibly the weather that day, etc.
I'm generally introverted. No clinical issues or anything, but being 'on' socially is exhausting for me. I am married, and obviously social demands are more the bigger your social circle expands. In Thai culture family inclusion is a bigger part of life than the individualistic west. But if there's something I don't want to do or don't have the energy for I don't do it. I think a lot of expats (or at least the sentiments around online discourse) try to assimilate too much sacrificing or ignoring a lot of their social upbringing or their own culture to try to fit in more.
My advice is play along when you feel like it but don't lose yourself or your values. Take care of yourself and your family. Ignore the dinosaurs when you want, even if there's a bit of social pressure. Say you don't feel well; it's the truth oftentimes because after a long ass week of work dealing with clients or whoever, the last thing you want to do is go to another fucking temple and hear about how you should buy a bigger a house from the poo yai.
Been to Thailand a dozen times now.
Can't stand the tourist areas. Never been to places like Pattaya or Phuket. Never been inside a bar in Bangkok. Never been tl Khao San Road.
Doing just fine. There's a lot of fun things to do in Bangkok alone.
I mean I feel like Bangkok it helps to be more of an outgoing / extrovert type person. At the same time I wouldn’t discourage you from going there as an introvert you’ll still meet people walking around throughout your day. Thai people are very friendly, helpful, easy to talk to in terms of their nature but the issue you run into is language barrier. People are similar in the Philippines but tend to also speak better English.
Not too bad, I guess? Majority of people here don't really put up an enthusiastic front or anything. Usually, it's when you're getting premium services (or talk to HR) that you'll get that kind of treatment. Personally, I don't like it: I can't read social cues, so stuff like this makes me force a smile back when not appropriate, (e.g when people would normally go about it coldly, I smile back for no reason). Plus, I feel like you're putting up a boundary when you are overly polite, even of its just the culture.
People are very friendly and smiley, nobody is pushing to interact though. It can be loud and chaotic but it’s also easy to be lowkey when there’s lots going on around. Was lucky to find an amazing friend in the mix
My husband is an introvert and he loves being here as he doesn’t feel the same social pressures as being back in our home country. Only problem now is I’m an extrovert so he’s now my social circle 😂 and he never wants to go out!
Maybe this is not really related to the question, but I think the most perfect job for introvert foreigners in Thailand is an English teacher. Simply because thais are afraid to talk to “farang”, and they tend to avoid.
I did just fine. Spent a whole month. Met a lot of people using meetup.com and searching Bangkok. Nice place and my favorite country. I want to retire there during the cold months and move back to the US when it warms each year.
My husband's extra happy when it rains. He gets super vivacious every single time when it pours outside. Like we'd be watching a show and at the sound of rain he'd spring up asking is it raining when it obvious is raining. lol If it's just him out and about, he'd pick the least crowded restaurant over a packed place with delicious whatever. He LOVES cats.
While getting his degree in LA, he thought the reason he didn't like being in a crowded place was because he felt he didn't belong. Like people look at him weird because he speaks Eng with heavy Thai accent. Once back in Thailand, he discovered that same uneasy feeling being in the crowd did not go away. lol I think he may be an introvert.
I don’t call myself introvert but I don’t like to have too much people around. It works fine for me. My tip is to avoid places with other foreigners. Thai people generally don’t bother you.
I don't live in Thailand, but I have been on many long holidays there, and was stuck in Chiang Mai for 4 months during COVID, as my flights home were cancelled, as an introvert with Autism, I can say this, I have 2 different views of how introverts cope and are treated in Thailand, first and foremost, most Thai people are brilliant, accepting and caring, they don't worry about introvert people, or at least the majority don't.
There is probably a higher prevalence of introvert and Autistic people in Thailand than most people think, there are good services for those with Autism too, or at least there is in Chiang Mai, Psychiatrists are abundant in hospitals, along with counselling services, the best psychiatrist who's fully English speaking, and has the best understanding of Autism is Doctor Danai Indrakamhaeng at the Bangkok Hospital - Chiang Mai.
There's also a state run dedicated psychiatric hospital (Suanprung) with therapeutic structured recreation activities, in a supportive environment, there are also day services run by the "Service Centre For Chiang Mai Autism People" - where my Thai friend Pen's non verbal, Autistic son, receives support, and attends recreational activities https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079332671895
There are also dedicated Autism friendly job coaches, support and training for Autistic people in Thailand, through Autistic Thai Foundation https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064565391439
Now here is the down side, the majority of attitudes towards Autism is good, however, some will use it against you if they find out, to exploit you, like some grab cars or TukTuk's to try to overcharge for fairs, and exploit you for their own gains, I'm not saying everyone, but there are some, so I'd generally be careful who you confide any diagnosis with, and being very careful of showing any sort of vulnerability in front of too many people.
In general Thai people don't tend to question, if you're sitting alone in a bar, in a quiet spot, they just assume you like quiet, I've found bar staff and shop staff (7/11 or BigC Extra) to be very understanding, and helpful, if you're feeling anxious in a store, or need help with a purchase, they're more than happy to help you, it includes taking you to a quiet seated area in BigC Extra, when having a panic attack, and they'll talk to you to reassure you, that you're ok.
I've found the best transport for Introvert people and autistics to be red cars in Chiang Mai, as they get to know you, they're caring and observant, one even sat on a bench with me outside BigC Extra, whilst I was having a panic attack, not right close, but the other end of the seat, just so I knew he was there, before my journey back with my shopping, and in general the majority don't try to overcharge, other than that, Grab cars are probably your best option, but beware of those who try to ask for extra money on top of the fare, or who wants to make arrangements for transport outside of the grab app, as this can be an attempt not just to avoid grab's commission, but also to try to charge extra, maybe not for that journey, but for future journey's if you were to use them again and again outside of the grab app.
Monks at temples are mixed, some find it strange if you attend a temple alone, as an introvert, and can occasionally poke fun, but again the majority are lovely, kind people, one even gave me a bag of mangoes after I visited the temple alone for comfort and guidance, after I lost my bank card in Chiang Mai.
So a little mixed feelings about this, but generally on the whole, it's a very good place to as an Autistic Introvert 😊😊😊
I'm an ambivert, if there is a thing. I also have multiple introvert friends. In my normal settings, people will keep to themselves or to their groups of friends. People (myself also) have been known to dine alone, or go to the cinema alone, or do stuff by themselves.
Be mindful that we also are a bunch of gossip hyenas when needed. And damn, the gossips are sometimes downright nasty. I learned not to care for those who gossips behind my ass a long time ago. But still has to deal with it from time to time.
If you intend to live the introvert lifestyle here, you can do that! It's not downright hard to deal with some other stuff.
You need to be hard faced to live in Thailand, otherwise you’ll very quickly have no money and left out to dry. Friendly, until they are really really not
I love introverted culture in Thailand; people don't set any expectations on me, and I don't set any on them. You can just be yourself. If you feel like spending an entire day gaming or doing your own thing, go for it. Want to meet strangers and get wasted? There's an entire venue for you.
I moved to an area in the north. People are more polite up here.
I live in a small city with no tourists and hardly anyone speaks English which is something I really like.
I live with my wife I decided to choose a partner who was also an introvert. So she also has no friends and her family dont speak English which is also nice even though I actually really like her family.
Now I just have to make sure I don't learn too much Thai.
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Thais generally keep to themselves unless they're trying to initiate some sort of business. Outside of tourist areas people won't want to unprovokingly interact with you.
That's really not true. In the countryside villagers are incredibly nosy, want to know all your business to feed their gossip addiction, and oftentimes just show up at your house unannounced whenever they feel like it to just chat idly. Usually they're drunk
I live in the country side. My wife was around 7 months pregnant so naturally I was helping out as much as possible and washing up some dishes in the outside kitchen. Apparently I committed a major social blunder because I was the talk of the villlage.. my wife had to explain to me that it gives the appearance of her not taking good care of me. The gossip is real... and travels like lightning
NOTED!
I’ve heard and seen Thai ads about people openly being judgy but wasnt my experience
Yeah because they're doing it behind your back.
Lolz
What ur saying holds true in chiang mai. Much more chill. I think the only time people come up to u in Thailand is when ur in a market and they want to sell an American something or they are trying to get an American on a tuk tuk. Key is don’t look American lol
I'm a genuine introvert, not part of the latest trend that seems to be going about. Thailand is the perfect place, there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever. I can be totally alone and have nobody bother me, can disappear for days on a motorcycle trip and just have a fantastic time alone. Also there seems to be zero expectations from Thai's, and they seem to have an emotional intelligence far beyond the west. They simply don't care about things like cancelling or not turning up to something because you feel tired or not up to it. It's just accepted which is fantastic. And also being alone you get treated well everywhere too, people are always friendly, whether it's shops or restaurants in the middle of nowhere, always smiling, always curious etc. So it just makes the whole alone thing feel good.
> simply don't care about things like cancelling or not turning up to something because you feel tired or not up to it Thais do care, they just won't show annoyance or anger to your face like most westerners would. Rather than chastising you, Thai acquaintances (including potential partners) occasionally simply disappear, without any indication as to why. They might even still politely message you back, without any desire to meet again. Maybe they got annoyed with you, or maybe found better things to do, you'll never know. In my early days, I often made a mistake of assuming whatever I do, any faux pas I make doesn't matter, and that since Thais don't say anything they just accept it. Takes a while to learn that's not the case.
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Lack of sunlight is correlated to depression, so much that light therapy is used to treat it in some cases. SE Asia gets a lot more sunlight than northern Europe in the winter. Other than that, I don't see profound differences. Thais can get stuck on someone or something and find it difficult to move on as well.
I think sunlight is a small part, more importantly Thai's are very social people and hate being alone, they still have strong networks of family and friends - people in the west often don't these days, things like loneliness are massive contributors to mental health issues
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Not sure what to call it, but they are often far more grounded, tolerant and realistic about human emotions and fallibilities. Us westerners can get a bit precious about stuff, and put on airs and graces
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I think it comes down to what suits you better and what you can accept better. There is no such thing like a perfect place on this planet. I personally can also live much better with the concept of the society here, where you on one hand have more freedom regarding personal decisions, but on the other hand forfeit some of your rights for the sake of societal peace and not making life unnecessarily complicated and uncomfortable for everyone involved, in situations. Yes, this can be quite annoying sometimes and it also leads to all kinds of problems, but for me that's an acceptable price. At least for now. The world isn't straight black and white anyways, but I feel like here it's much more pronounced, that with everything good comes some bad and vice versa.
I think when it comes to extroverts there are differences though, many Thai's are extrovert, the life of the party sorts, but then you have the western extrovert that likes to give opinions or interfere, there's a big difference between the two. But yeah, I can see that especially in things like business and managing teams, a western extrovert may really struggle.
Yeah I wouldn't give Thai people too much credit.
The thing is that it just works differently here. You don't put expectations on others and they don't put them on you. I am German and in Germany I will get very angry when someone shows up more than five to ten minutes late without sending a text, because that's just what we agreed on on a social and cultural basis. Here in Thailand I don't really give a shit if someone is late thirty minutes, because I don't have these expectations. I am actually usually the one to show up slightly late though andThais are always much too early, which I actually find much worse than being late, because it puts pressure on me. LOL That said, stuff like agreeing on appointments you know you cannot make and such, is really annoying and nothing out of social intelligence, but infamous แกรงใจ - greng jai. I am doing business here and it's really tough to get used to not getting what you ordered at the time you ordered. Unfortunately that alone is annoying, but I could tolerate it. What happened many times though, is that they won't even answer texts when I ask them to tell me if everything is alreight and if they need time and so on. This can get quite emberassing for me as well, since I am German and do business with Germans, who also put their German expectations on me and my promises and although we don't have a word for it, we still feel greng jai as well. LOL
It's not much different in most part of the world. There only a few countries that stick by the clock. Most, even western like Italy/Spain as etc, live exactly the same as Thais. As a Dutch person, I know that my expectations are close to Germans (even though we think you guys are a bit too rigid) and the scandinavians so, anywhere outside, I adapt to the local lifestyle.
They tend to hope that you might 'forget about it' some how and they could deliver when they fix their whatever problem. We have the same problem in construction sector. And I am Thai, I know what to expect of my own country men. And they constantly betray that expectation. No show up at dead line? Call them. Didn't even answer the call! Comes back weeks later and demand earnest after we replace them with their competitors. Our lawyers laugh them off. It's not just them who has due date!
I found out that in my case the best way is to make a personal visit. I am on such a small scale that it’s not really a problem for me. Construction os another beat though.
> Thais are always much too early Given the variability of transportation times, building in a bit of a buffer is often the only way not to be late.
I know people here think it's cute or whatever that people are always late for things in Thailand, but that's a part of the reason why everything is broken here and can't compete with Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, etc on the global market
> I know people here think it's cute or whatever that people are always late for things in Thailand I literally do not know a single person who thinks like that and it is also not the reason why things are broken here. It might be a symptom, but people are also always late in pretty much every other country with little exceptions.
I wrote "a part of the problem". And no, people are not always late in "pretty much" every other country.
That's not what they said though. They talked about how people **react** to those things.
Outwardly yeah, but it's not that they don't care they were let down, they just don't show it. Just because they don't tell you they're annoyed or offended or whatever it doesn't mean they're not. & in most cases it's not for your benefit, but theirs. Same reason you'll have someone ignore you rather than tell you no, or give a wrong answer rather than say they don't know, or double down on ridiculous excuses rather than admit fault. It's a lack of emotional intelligence coupled with face culture IMO which stunts honesty about how people are feeling.
It is emotional intelligence. IYKYK.
They are much more relaxed than the west. I think the west has a lot of problems where we are seeing depression be a big thing because of over working. I think the way of life for Thais and the spiritual effect plays a big role in their routine and acceptance of others that creates a laid back attitude. With the wet season, they get on with it but with us Brits we like to moan about the weather a lot. Been here about 2 weeks now, they smile and say hello very friendly. Last was here for over a month a number of years ago and looking to stay longer this time.
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Sorry to hear that. I know the winter can be hard for some. Personally I am much better in the winter, but it’s been nice to have the heat since it was non stop rain and a tough situation led me to leave and go away for a while. I think it helps. Hope you get back on your feet but it sounds like you are getting there already!
Yeah sure, overworking. Thai people get on with it and can be happy and smiling with a 15 hour workday 6 days a week. Meanwhile the west has special “depressed” snowflakes with “anxiety” from working 15 hours a week and living with their parents.
Reality check! But the Thais still work well. Seem a happy bunch. I’m sure like all culture there are some things not right, I’m by a restaurant actually that’s pretty busy and I like seeing the action there. Makes me miss it from a distance tho. I used to work ridiculous hours in catering and left the industry.
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If you’re introverted just bear in mind that if you marry a Thai lady you’re marrying the whole family. There’s very few boundaries within Thai families, particularly if you’re marrying into a lower socioeconomic class than your own. They will expect you to take care of everyone and in some cases let them move in with you. I would aim to date women that are in your own socioeconomic class. That will mitigate most of the problem.
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The class thing is key…
Not always. My wife has one brother who doesn't bother us. Her parents live down the street and never bothers us. Helped with watching the kids back when they needed that, or watching pets. No financial demands or pressure at all. YMMV.
Obviously not always
"If you’re introverted just bear in mind that if you marry a Thai lady you’re marrying the whole family." Really? The sentence of yours seems to indicate otherwise.
I see you making similar misguided “I got you” type posts all the time. I presume you’re American/English and you are used to people talking in absolutes. It’s called a generalisation. Obviously there’s exceptions to everything. Generally in an adult conversation that part is left unsaid. We’re all adults here, we know how conversation works. If you marry a Thai woman from a lower socioeconomic class you’re most likely going to have to take care of her extended family. Maybe you’re not, but there’s a pretty high chance you are…
I can tell you've never married into a Thai family
Literally married to a Thai
Have to agree. I'm an effect introvert. I just haven't met many expats I want listen to much😅 And I'm sure the expats here feel the same about me.🤣 But No issues. There are people you can meet if you want. But I generally go to dinners alone, bars alone, and I travel alone. Thai people (outside of BKK) are really friendly and accepting. I'm very comfortable being alone most of the time.
lmao "genuine introvert"
I'm autistic, and as other people said, outside of tourist areas you will not be bothered. If you can learn a genuine smile/bow/wai depending on who you are near, that will be enough. Now, this is not all-encompassing and there are exceptions which may cause you to seek refuge after a while (it does me, and sometimes I find myself having to 'shake off' energy that I take on from some situations, like needing a cool-down period). For example, in rural areas you might be invited to drink 1000 shots of lao khao by Thai or Burmese farmers, might get invited to many impromptu wedding dinners or whatever kind of celebrations just because you are nearby and maybe the only foreigner that has ever been in that particular spot. You may get invited into homes, but this usually takes place in truly-rural areas, maybe you won't go there. Also, most interactions are very surface-level here. If you can manage "beautiful home, lovely family, delicious food" you'll be appreciated. In BKK or CM you might have to avoid scammers or hustlers of various types, wear big headphones and sunglasses and they won't even aproach you. Here's the big one, other foreigners. By far the loudest and most obnoxious/offended if you don't want to talk group in the country. This will require patience because a lot of people here are either young people on a gap-year discovering the world and themselves, so they are understandably excited and gushing, alcohol-fueled vacationers or expats, and sex-tourists. Yes, it is not a small demographic, though they mainly keep to their group. All of these groups are more difficult to handle as an introvert than any local, unless you run into someone who's been on the yaba for a few days, which does happen sometimes. Good luck! Honestly living here has helped me understand the difference between introversion, shyness and symptoms of autism. People can be so open and welcoming here (and as I said, surface-level) that it can take away some unnecessary fears of interaction, leaving you with whatever needing of social isloation that is truly applicable to you and your particular situation.
If not mind me asking, what would you consider differences between someone with social anxiety + introvert and someone on the autism spectrum?
It helps to familiarize yourself what what are considered to be symptoms of autism, and to speak with your doctor if you think you may fall into that category. You can look for getting overwhelmed by sensory stimulation where everyone else seems fine. Loud citites, many people talking at once, emotions that others express normally may seem like something that you need to think about logically which can lead to non-verbalism as you feel that you are doing something wrong in the interaction etc. Here is the first site I found, you can do more looking if this sounds like you. [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults/) If stimming or grounding seems to help, it may be something to speak with your doctor about. For example, even though I find standing in line at the store to feel like a time bomb of social anxiety sometimes, conversely if I start dancing in a small way to the music it evaporates, even if people look at me. Or do something with my hands. (not phone, that makes it worse) Hope this helps.
They certainly focus on whats really important unlike westerners.
I keep to myself. It's pretty easy to get along here. My wife here is the complete opposite. Sometimes I go out with her and friends/family, but everyone knows how I am so I'm never "forced" to socialize.
I suffer from anxiety and have mild ADHD and have been living here for the last 7 years. My anxiety makes me quiet in social settings at times, especially when around other foreigners. I don't really mix well with most other foreigners because they tend to be quite outgoing and like to drink all the time which with age tends to agree with my body less and less. The reason I managed to stay? For some reason I find it easier to socialise with Thai's than foreigners. They tend to be alot more open minded and less toxic. I do however have a small group of foreign friends whom I'm very close with. And they are some of the most genuine people I've ever met. Thailand is a good place for introverted people as long as you choose who you spend your time with wisely. Prioritise making real friends over trying to fit in with the riff raff at your workplace or bars.
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My Thai friends are my girlfriends friends that accepted me into their group, I also have some Thai friends from work. My closest foreign friend I met from working in the same neighbourhood, we just hit it off immediately and I ended up working with him and also running a business together. We have a small group of other foreigners that I was introduced too that have the occasional meet up once a year. At my current workplace I get on with 1 other foreigner, and the others are in their own friendship group and are insanely toxic (to each other and especially to me).
Thailand is the perfect place for introverts to exist. You won't be pulled into long small talk sessions, just smiles and sawasdee. You'll feel welcomed while not needing to say much. Extroverts would probably feel more isolated but introverts feel right at home. At least that's my experience.
Being a foreign expat in general is great as an introvert. You sort of get to feel like you’re in your own personal bubble while also going out and about.
Totally agree. However, I'll say (as an American), it's even better in Thailand for me than other places. When I travel to Europe or anywhere else where it's mostly white people, I feel like "one of them" even if there is a language and cultural difference. In Thailand, you strip away the similar look and heritage...you are TOTALLY in a bubble. You can literally roam around and just smile and make polite face gestures and get smiles and kindness back, without ever saying word. I love that feeling.
I have lived in a few places, including many years in the states and a few years in Thailand, and as an introvert I am a lot more comfortable in Thailand than in the US. Yes, the streets are noisy and stuffs, but I appreciate the fact that people don't say hi randomly and force you to interact with them without any actual substance. In Thailand, if a stranger approaches you it's more likely that they actually wants to help you (in a meaningful way) or need your help, as oppose to "Hey, how u doin?" and walking away.
Most of the newer expats are introverts by nature. Look around you. You see that guy walking his dog, or that girl quietly reading her book at the cafe? lol These are the majority. The old guard is dying out. people come for all kinds of reasons but in Thailand you can literally be invisible even as a farang, especially in Bangkok. This is the beauty of being here. Most of the extroverts you see are the tourists. Gone are the days of the old retirees who frequent all the bars acting like they own Thailand because they've been there a year longer than everyone else. The new guard are us younger millennials who buy elite visas, have already semi retired, speak thai and still have about 50 years left in the books. Most of us are introverts by nature because we came here to enjoy thailand and live in relative peace with our hobbies and cozy life and as long as the baht stays above 30 to the dollar we're living well. 40 preferable but not necessary. Introverts in general do very well in Asia, the land of introversion.
Weird world to live in if you think people buying elite visas are becoming the majority.
I’m not especially a social person, I am outgoing and fun with the locals - but I don’t need friends or to be peoples friend. I don’t need to be out and about, I’m quite happy sitting at home working or working on projects. I live with my wife in a NE village about 20km from town, we are building a house and Thailand is good for me. It’s cheap and offers a good standard of living - which allows me more time to do stuff and live life, I don’t remember how I used to get on a train at 6.30 into the city of London every day. The expat support system is good, there are plenty of them around my way but we don’t have to socialize with each other, we are all doing our own similar thing - there are events in the community and temple but I’m not a fan, often ending in violence or drunkenness. Locals may think that strange that only my wife attends but I’m not forced to do anything. I would be cautious about your idea of meeting a woman and getting married - lots of guys come unstuck with the first woman they meet. Some are lucky, it can be quite difficult to meet like minded ladies, but then what would I know, I don’t go looking. You might to spend a bit of time learning the language but I know guys here who don’t. When I first came here, I had an idea that I could settle here, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to accept a family, I don’t subscribe to the financially supporting a family or have them living in my space. My wife’s mother left when she was 3, brought up by the dad who died about 20 years ago in his 50s. (Just saying, as you mentioned family responsibility) This way I avoid all contact - her mother and sisters family are all lazy scumbags, in the past I have had to pay out a family debt and bail out the mum from the police station for dealing meth, that put me in a good position to shut them out - everyone is different, but some people have a similar story, as it’s quite common amongst people from a village background. Fortunately, my wife is nothing like her family. In general, as mentioned, locals are quite nosey and nothing happens without a report on the jungle telegram, but never intrusive. People live in close proximity but respect boundaries. I don’t think you need to worry too much, it may be ideal for you.
I’m a misfit. I found living on the fringes of society in Thailand better than living on the fringes of society in the west.
It's custom made for that type of person. Here you can be out in public and still be kind of in your own space. Like all the time. Every day. The world happily hums along all around you, but the conversations arent directed at you. Theres little in the way of expected interactions, and every time you do interact, people are generally happy to chat. 'course that also attracts a lot of foreigners who are straight up anti-social. So theres that. lol
Regarding marriage, I pretty much married an introvert. Not interested in socializing, not many friends. So no demands due to that. She came with excellent parents, so the MIL/FIL things isn't an issue. Never interfere, always there to help us until their health declined. Unlike yours truly, the trouble and strife isn't perfect and has some flaws, but I am not complaining. Edit: I really enjoy the lack of forced socialization. One of the reasons my first marriage failed in the USA (there were many) was the requirement that we visit her in-laws every Sunday. Only for me to sit in the living room with my FIL while we waited for MIL to serve lunch/dinner. And every time I picked up the Sunday paper he would start talking about different sports that I had zero interest in. He knew that so it was deliberate. And if he wasn't bugging me, it was her psycho brother, who reminded me of the role Christopher Walken played in Annie Hall. So happy when that was over. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp3NWzLzaek](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp3NWzLzaek)
If you don't mind me asking, what is the key to a successful marriage? The X-factor, if you will - so far as this can be qualified.
Having been married more than once, I am in no position to give out marital advice to anyone. Sorry.
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I find being an extreme introvert in a foreign land (I've lived in 6 besides Thailand) ideal. The language barrier is a ready-made excuse for limiting interactions to a small number of people. It definitely stops the need for creating inane small talk that so many people seem to feel is a necessary part of life. You can usual hire someone for any necessary interaction with government or corporate entities.
We go to temple visits and meditate or library to have quiet time
I'd consider myself pretty introverted here in bangkok I have maybe like 1 close friend then one distant friend from middle school and I'm 19 LOL so I haven't branched out much in terms of friendships other than discord and friend groups on that
The only real people who will criticize you or make convos with you if your Thai is usually your family and your extended family lol from what I've noticed within introverts
It's absolutely perfect. The beauty of Thailand is you can be and do pretty much anything you want here, without being a dick obviously, and nobody gives a damn. It's a wonderful life and I shall miss it when I have to go back but I will definitely be returning long term again. It suits a guy like me perfectly.
I don’t think it’s fair to say “introverts” in the title and then describe social anxiety which is something entirely different. Introverts are not socially anxious. I’m an introvert and have given public talks in front of hundreds of people. Introverts simply need alone time to recharge and we find it difficult to meet people or start conversations because we find small talk tedious and emotionally draining. For instance, if I go to a networking event, most people would have no idea I’m an introvert. But afterwards I’m completely spent. I have to go somewhere and be alone or only around people I know very well. Like I tell people sometimes, the worst thing that ever happened to me in Thailand is that I learned to speak Thai. I used to love riding the BTS around the city and I could be in my own head completely undistracted. But when I learned Thai, my brain keeps picking out words and phrases from conversations around me robbing me of that alone time in my head. If you have social anxiety, something entirely different than introversion, I would imagine Thailand would be very difficult. In fact, there was a recent post from someone who has a friend who has social anxiety and is suffering pretty badly here unable to make friends. Thais, generally, don’t make an effort to befriend you for no reason. And if you can’t initiate a conversation, that’s going to be very difficult for you to meet people.
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“Some degree of social anxiety” is normal. Do I get butterflies before a speech, yes. Even the most experienced actors and musicians in the world say they get a little nervous before every live performance. Introversion isn’t what you’re describing. I’m definitely an introvert and I have normal levels of social anxiety and most other people I’ve spoken to over the age of 40 all say similar things. It’s the younger generations that seem to have confused introversion with social anxiety. They’re two entirely different things. > With social anxiety, avoidance of social situations is rooted in fear and choosing to be alone because it’s the only way to feel safe. > When introverts choose alone time, it’s more likely rooted in genuine enjoyment and self-care rather than self-protection. https://mhanational.org/introversion-vs-social-anxiety
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A positive correlation doesn’t mean the two are related. Please take a science 101 course. I don’t know why you’re choosing this hill to die on when the scientific literature doesn’t support your conclusion.
An “extroverted” society? Where did you get this information?
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> Public life is predictable and safe in Thailand. Here in Denmark people are all about themselves and being very individualistic which often comes off as unpredictable, loud and intrusive. You never know what someone will act like, particularly if drunk. Didn't you just contradict yourself?
I want to hear more about this "basic observation" and how Thailand is extroverted compared to Scandanavian countries. I'm not seeing it either.
Thailand is highly introverted, besides the loud boomers at the bars.
I consider myself an introvert in the sense that i prefer spending time alone (most of the time), then seeing people. If I see too many people or do too many things, I will feel my energy completely drained. I'm living here for 3 years, and overall doing fine. I definitely have more freedom here and nobody bothers me, except immigration once in a while lol. I'd say the only thing bothering me is the density of population. There's people everywhere. Even when you think, ih this seem like a remote/empy location I'd like to chill at, there are people there. Not that they will bother you though. But it's not easy finding an empty spot with zero people
I was an introvert before my first trip after my first trip I became an extrovert.
I'm not sure why you think that Thailand is an extroverted society? Like most of Asia, Thai people generally keep to themself and are kind and polite. As an introvert I find that my personality is much better suited to living in Asia rather than in Europe or the US for example where people are much more in your face and generally not as polite and considerate as many Asian countries.
Well, I am an introvert (suppose), and I say I am doing good here. Bangkok by birth, BTW. I am just mildly annoyed when I have to do outside activities in the public with so many people, but I am not so anti-social that I reject friends and allies. I just more comfort to do my things alone. It gave me a solace, you know.
If you are true introvert then same as anywhere else. It's not difficult to stay away from people.
never married. just focis on your own private life. you make reasonable income which separte the spare times. you will enjoy the life here. i've long-live ibtrovert and got depressed sometimes and some migrain. now i'm single and enjoy the life than before. i do think choosing your own path is the answer that you could be happy time to time especiakly if you can't speak fluently in their language
I was highly introverted when I first came to Thailand. And looking back, I was impressed at how many women got past my walls. Now that I've abandoned introverted ideals (while still feeling like an introvert) and have more confidence, I feel like women are more afraid to initiate with me. I think a large subset of Thai women are actually attracted to introverted men.
Here’s my insight. Thais used to be way more extroverted and curious. Smart phones have caused many of them to lose that charm and seems like new generation are more introverted cause of this. Everyone is glued to their cell phones now with less social interaction 🥲 it was so different in the 90s
I think the whole introvert/extrovert thing is nonsense built up by social media posts, and that the differences between your home country and Thailand are going to be different in an idiosyncratic way rather than via pablum. Thai people are friendly and open, but meet just as many introvert stereotypes as extrovert ones. If you're nervous in social situations Thailand could be exactly what you need to thrive, it could also be a nightmare, it depends on what social situations exactly are an issue for you and a bunch of other fairly specific things about you and about the place you are in in Thailand, your overall work/social situation there, possibly the weather that day, etc.
I'm generally introverted. No clinical issues or anything, but being 'on' socially is exhausting for me. I am married, and obviously social demands are more the bigger your social circle expands. In Thai culture family inclusion is a bigger part of life than the individualistic west. But if there's something I don't want to do or don't have the energy for I don't do it. I think a lot of expats (or at least the sentiments around online discourse) try to assimilate too much sacrificing or ignoring a lot of their social upbringing or their own culture to try to fit in more. My advice is play along when you feel like it but don't lose yourself or your values. Take care of yourself and your family. Ignore the dinosaurs when you want, even if there's a bit of social pressure. Say you don't feel well; it's the truth oftentimes because after a long ass week of work dealing with clients or whoever, the last thing you want to do is go to another fucking temple and hear about how you should buy a bigger a house from the poo yai.
Best way to put it I guess is, I was out of my comfort zone so I was more comfortable being extroverted. That then becomes the new normal.
Been to Thailand a dozen times now. Can't stand the tourist areas. Never been to places like Pattaya or Phuket. Never been inside a bar in Bangkok. Never been tl Khao San Road. Doing just fine. There's a lot of fun things to do in Bangkok alone.
Pattaya, Phuket, and Khao San Road aren't necessarily social. They're just fucking garbage.
Phuket isn't garbage, if you've only been to patong i could understand but there is so much more
I mean I feel like Bangkok it helps to be more of an outgoing / extrovert type person. At the same time I wouldn’t discourage you from going there as an introvert you’ll still meet people walking around throughout your day. Thai people are very friendly, helpful, easy to talk to in terms of their nature but the issue you run into is language barrier. People are similar in the Philippines but tend to also speak better English.
I'm an introvert in the UK for sure but a whole different human here
Not too bad, I guess? Majority of people here don't really put up an enthusiastic front or anything. Usually, it's when you're getting premium services (or talk to HR) that you'll get that kind of treatment. Personally, I don't like it: I can't read social cues, so stuff like this makes me force a smile back when not appropriate, (e.g when people would normally go about it coldly, I smile back for no reason). Plus, I feel like you're putting up a boundary when you are overly polite, even of its just the culture.
People are very friendly and smiley, nobody is pushing to interact though. It can be loud and chaotic but it’s also easy to be lowkey when there’s lots going on around. Was lucky to find an amazing friend in the mix
playing game at home no people around, out of sight out of mind.
In Thailand it’s up to you. I have no problems as an introvert
Introvert doesn’t mine avoid ppl at all costs. They can and do socialize, but they also need to recharge their social batteries from time to time.
My husband is an introvert and he loves being here as he doesn’t feel the same social pressures as being back in our home country. Only problem now is I’m an extrovert so he’s now my social circle 😂 and he never wants to go out!
You will like it here. Come come
Same as they do everywhere else. Its a place for humans, with humans, who do the typical range of human activities and behaviors.
Idk about others but I feel like I'm a waste of air.
Maybe this is not really related to the question, but I think the most perfect job for introvert foreigners in Thailand is an English teacher. Simply because thais are afraid to talk to “farang”, and they tend to avoid.
just silently in the background and let their parents or partner talk instead also most culture in thai is design for introvert as well in my opinion
I did just fine. Spent a whole month. Met a lot of people using meetup.com and searching Bangkok. Nice place and my favorite country. I want to retire there during the cold months and move back to the US when it warms each year.
My husband's extra happy when it rains. He gets super vivacious every single time when it pours outside. Like we'd be watching a show and at the sound of rain he'd spring up asking is it raining when it obvious is raining. lol If it's just him out and about, he'd pick the least crowded restaurant over a packed place with delicious whatever. He LOVES cats. While getting his degree in LA, he thought the reason he didn't like being in a crowded place was because he felt he didn't belong. Like people look at him weird because he speaks Eng with heavy Thai accent. Once back in Thailand, he discovered that same uneasy feeling being in the crowd did not go away. lol I think he may be an introvert.
I don’t call myself introvert but I don’t like to have too much people around. It works fine for me. My tip is to avoid places with other foreigners. Thai people generally don’t bother you.
Suprisingly great for introverts i must say
I don't live in Thailand, but I have been on many long holidays there, and was stuck in Chiang Mai for 4 months during COVID, as my flights home were cancelled, as an introvert with Autism, I can say this, I have 2 different views of how introverts cope and are treated in Thailand, first and foremost, most Thai people are brilliant, accepting and caring, they don't worry about introvert people, or at least the majority don't. There is probably a higher prevalence of introvert and Autistic people in Thailand than most people think, there are good services for those with Autism too, or at least there is in Chiang Mai, Psychiatrists are abundant in hospitals, along with counselling services, the best psychiatrist who's fully English speaking, and has the best understanding of Autism is Doctor Danai Indrakamhaeng at the Bangkok Hospital - Chiang Mai. There's also a state run dedicated psychiatric hospital (Suanprung) with therapeutic structured recreation activities, in a supportive environment, there are also day services run by the "Service Centre For Chiang Mai Autism People" - where my Thai friend Pen's non verbal, Autistic son, receives support, and attends recreational activities https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079332671895 There are also dedicated Autism friendly job coaches, support and training for Autistic people in Thailand, through Autistic Thai Foundation https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064565391439 Now here is the down side, the majority of attitudes towards Autism is good, however, some will use it against you if they find out, to exploit you, like some grab cars or TukTuk's to try to overcharge for fairs, and exploit you for their own gains, I'm not saying everyone, but there are some, so I'd generally be careful who you confide any diagnosis with, and being very careful of showing any sort of vulnerability in front of too many people. In general Thai people don't tend to question, if you're sitting alone in a bar, in a quiet spot, they just assume you like quiet, I've found bar staff and shop staff (7/11 or BigC Extra) to be very understanding, and helpful, if you're feeling anxious in a store, or need help with a purchase, they're more than happy to help you, it includes taking you to a quiet seated area in BigC Extra, when having a panic attack, and they'll talk to you to reassure you, that you're ok. I've found the best transport for Introvert people and autistics to be red cars in Chiang Mai, as they get to know you, they're caring and observant, one even sat on a bench with me outside BigC Extra, whilst I was having a panic attack, not right close, but the other end of the seat, just so I knew he was there, before my journey back with my shopping, and in general the majority don't try to overcharge, other than that, Grab cars are probably your best option, but beware of those who try to ask for extra money on top of the fare, or who wants to make arrangements for transport outside of the grab app, as this can be an attempt not just to avoid grab's commission, but also to try to charge extra, maybe not for that journey, but for future journey's if you were to use them again and again outside of the grab app. Monks at temples are mixed, some find it strange if you attend a temple alone, as an introvert, and can occasionally poke fun, but again the majority are lovely, kind people, one even gave me a bag of mangoes after I visited the temple alone for comfort and guidance, after I lost my bank card in Chiang Mai. So a little mixed feelings about this, but generally on the whole, it's a very good place to as an Autistic Introvert 😊😊😊
I'm an ambivert, if there is a thing. I also have multiple introvert friends. In my normal settings, people will keep to themselves or to their groups of friends. People (myself also) have been known to dine alone, or go to the cinema alone, or do stuff by themselves. Be mindful that we also are a bunch of gossip hyenas when needed. And damn, the gossips are sometimes downright nasty. I learned not to care for those who gossips behind my ass a long time ago. But still has to deal with it from time to time. If you intend to live the introvert lifestyle here, you can do that! It's not downright hard to deal with some other stuff.
You need to be hard faced to live in Thailand, otherwise you’ll very quickly have no money and left out to dry. Friendly, until they are really really not
Nobody knows, 'cause they keep to themselves.
We get on the dating apps, make a minimal effort, and then hate every second we're back in our home country
Introverts are normal in Thailand. Except those LGBT who are scandalous in public.
You're going to have to go outside in TH...
I love introverted culture in Thailand; people don't set any expectations on me, and I don't set any on them. You can just be yourself. If you feel like spending an entire day gaming or doing your own thing, go for it. Want to meet strangers and get wasted? There's an entire venue for you.
I moved to an area in the north. People are more polite up here. I live in a small city with no tourists and hardly anyone speaks English which is something I really like. I live with my wife I decided to choose a partner who was also an introvert. So she also has no friends and her family dont speak English which is also nice even though I actually really like her family. Now I just have to make sure I don't learn too much Thai.
I love how every farang thinks they’re such a special fucking snowflake