Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Bangkok, Thailand
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Bangkok
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?
Learned after I got here
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
No
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
I didn't experience any
Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?
No
What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.
None of the above
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Few busybodies, do-gooders and bleeding hearts interfering in the lives of other people. Respect for elders.
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
I didn't find anything particularly challenging, but I made up my mind that I would study the culture, behavioral characteristics to try and understand the differences, and there are many.
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
I probably inadvertently butchered the language, but the Thai were too polite to criticize.
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Learn the do's and don'ts and review them periodically. Don't interfere in the personal lives of the hosts unless specifically request to help.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Bangkok
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bangkok
- Public Transportation in Bangkok
- Best Markets in Bangkok
- Retire in Bangkok Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Bangkok
- Pros & Cons of Living in Bangkok
- Tips for Expats Driving in Bangkok
- Cost of Living in Bangkok
- Health Care in Bangkok
- Discovering the Best of Bangkok
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Thailand
- Best Places to Live in Thailand
- Real Estate in Thailand
- Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand
- 5 Tips for Living in Bangkok
- Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Thailand