Longtime expats here inevitably develop pet theories about the differences between Thailand and wherever home used to be. A Brit I met on a Siam Society trip earlier this month likes to talk about what he terms the respect continuum.
His idea is that Easterners and Westerners often find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to privacy and tolerance. For example, it’s not unusual here for a late night party to intrude on others’ personal space—loud music after hours doesn’t lead to calling the police, as it might in the West. The Thai attitude in this case is live and let live.
This fellow calls that attitude disrespectful. But he also knows that Thais mean no disrespect when they engage in community fun that compromises others’ “rights,” such as the water throwing that happens every year at Songkran. He might even admit that being alone here is rare, and considered something to be avoided if possible.
Furthermore, he admires what he feels is a high acceptance in Thailand of people who are different from the norm. He says Thais are much more willing than Europeans to show consideration to gays, different religions, foreigners, and so on. As Aretha sang:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
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