We Discuss: Myths and Misconceptions About Bangkok [Season 4, Episode 27]

This week is a dose of keeping it real: What are some
common beliefs about Thailand that Greg and Ed just don't buy? Ed
starts off with a fairly nuanced point: many people think of
Thailand as a very religious country because of so many outward
signs of Buddhist culture, whether it's temples, monks, or
statues that Thais are very respectful of. However, Ed argues
that in general Thais are not very pious: alcohol consumption,
gambling, and infidelity are quite common throughout
Thailand.


Greg walks equally risky territory by claiming that
although Thais definitely smile a lot, the moniker 'Land of
Smiles' has succeeded too much in that it has convinced many
foreigners that all Thai people have nothing but hearts of gold.
Unfortunately, scammers, as well as straight-up thieves,
regularly target foreigners, and it is best to be as wary in
Thailand as you would be in any country around the world.


Ed next contends that those who view Thailand (and more
specifically the city of Pattaya) as sleazy places in general are
very mistaken. Although prostitution does exist throughout
Thailand, most of it is in isolated areas and not apparent in day
to day life. Although Ed and Greg don't see eye to eye on
Pattaya, Greg concurs that most of Bangkok and Thailand are very
family-friendly.


Last, Greg refutes those who think of Bangkok as a dirty,
third-world city. Considering the unorganized, chaotic mess that
Bangkok is, it's surprisingly clean, with garbage showing up only
temporarily before being swept away by the city's ubiquitous
street cleaners.


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