#31
In this expat women's interview we meet Erica from the USA who lives in Bangkok.
About Me
I’m a 24-year-old American communication artist. I’m a master’s degree in communication arts candidate, freelance copywriter and teacher. I’m also madly in love with a Thai man, but we’re not married.
Living in Thailand
I’ve lived in Bangkok for 2 years. After graduation from Loyola University in Maryland I looked out at a bleak job market and depressing economy. A group of my friends joined the university’s program called “Teach for Thailand” that trains recent grads to teach at Assumption University. With a blessing from my parents, I came to teach English and haven’t left.
The most positive aspect of Thailand is the emphasis on ‘sanuk.’ This goes a bit deeper than having fun all the time. My interaction with this concept has been to ask myself: am I enjoying this? If no, I move on, change, try to improve the situation. It’s evaluating what you’re doing and being aware of its effect on an emotional, personal level. This compares with hard work or money being the main motivators of life despite their effect on one’s emotional state. It’s a drastic change in how to look at and live one’s life that I think is an underlying reason many expats stay, even if it’s not the most obvious reason.
A difficult part of living in Thailand is that I’ve waved goodbye to many close friends as they’ve returned home – this is a bittersweet part of living here. Thailand attracts many people from all over the world, but not everyone is inclined to stay. And as an unmarried woman, I’m trying to find others who don’t have families yet, but intend to stay in Thailand for some time.
Thai Moments
Near to my old apartment is a restaurant I often frequented to buy food for take-away. I decided I wanted to ‘be green’ by bringing my own bowl for take-away meals instead of using multiple plastic bags. I bought a big red bowl at Big C and brought it on my next visit. The owners of the shop were horrified when I brought it in, saying something to each other in Thai (I couldn’t understand at the time), and I just stood there, confused, with my red bowl in hand. She quietly made my food and reluctantly put it in the red bowl. I thought she couldn’t understand that I didn’t want to use plastic bags, took my bowl, and went home.
When I brought it again the next time, she had a small plastic container ready for me and refused to put the food in the bowl. “Maybe it’s because it’s red?” I wondered, because this was at the time of the political conflict in the country, and feeling more confused, took the plastic container home and never used the red bowl again. It wasn’t until a friend saw my bowl and wondered why I had it near my refrigerator. I explained my intention to use it and he laughed at me – “This is the bowl you use to wash yourself after you go to the toilet!” I was so embarrassed, guessing I never connected the dots, because I remember using the same type of bowl at a bus station before, and can only imagine how disgusting the women at the restaurant thought I was. Needless to say, I stopped going there for food.
Thai Language
I spent 8 months not learning Thai, relying on body language and a few friends to order food for me or chat with taxi drivers. I realized I was denying myself experiences and friends by not speaking the language. And how hypocritical is it to teach English but not learn my students’ native tongue? My dad bought me 'Thai for Beginners', I studied for about 4 months until I could read and write, then took private lessons, and continue to study now. I’m not fluent, but hopefully will be one day.
Housing in Bangkok
I’m renting an apartment in Ekamai.
Working in Thailand
I’m currently a teacher at Bangkok University. I study communication and am a skilled writer. I’ll begin looking for a job as a PR specialist when I finish my master’s. The positive things about working in Thailand are my co-workers. I’ve met some similar-minded professionals who have taught me a lot. The challenges would be navigating the bureaucracy of work life.
Fashion in Bangkok
Check out Baan Ekamai off of Soi Thonglor 20 & The ‘Dtalaat Rot Fai’ or old train station converted into an outdoor market on the weekends has great second-hand dresses for about 200 B.
Restaurants & Food in Bangkok
As a vegetarian, I love: Talalask – all vegetarian Thai food at Golden Place. Chok Chai 4 has amazing Thai Halal food that is delicious and cheap. They’ll make anything vegetarian if you ask (in Thai). The Orient on Soi Thonglor has great Thai food and vegetarian options alhtough a bit pricier.
Clubs and Bars in Bangkok
I’ve been everywhere and couldn’t choose a specific place I love, but I tend to go to BK Magazine’s website to find new places to try.
Recommended Thailand websites and blogs
www.BKmagazine.com, www.CNNgo.com/Bangkok, www.bangkokrealitysmackdown.wordpress.com – although the writer has left Thailand, it’s worth reading her old posts for some witty guidance, www.ericainthailand.blogspot.com – mine!
Advice for (expat) women
If you want to give yourself the best chance of a great time in Thailand, learn Thai. You’ll hear many people who say, “I’ve never learned it and had no problems” or “I can say, ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ and can order food…that’s all I need” take a moment to reflect on how limiting that is. Much of Thailand is shut off to you (different types of food, conversations with Thais, friendships with Thais, exploring unknown areas, getting un-lost from somewhere, and a LOT less frustration, etc.) because you haven’t learned the language. Just try. I’ve never met someone who was learning Thai and thought it was a waste of time. I’ve also never attempted bad Thai with a Thai person who rolled their eyes, laughed, and refused to listen to me. I thought I wasn’t good at languages until I gave Thai a sincere effort and learned.
Also, if you like spicy food, beware – there is a line between spicy and oh-my-god-this-is-torture spicy that you’ll feel the next day.
And last but not least
If you’re single/unmarried and looking or wanting to expand your social circle, open yourself up to being friends with Thai women and men and you’ll quickly see they can be wonderful, loyal friends (or lovers!). I never entertained the idea of dating a Thai man until I met my boyfriend and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to be with him. Nurturing, kind, attentive, fair... these are qualities many Thais have that make for a rewarding relationship.
Living in Thailand, so what is that like? The Chicky Net interviews tell the stories of expat women who have decided that Thailand is their home (for now). How did they end up here, what's it like to live and work in Thailand and what challenges and amazing experiences have they have come across?
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