Do Thais Really Smile More Than Anyone? [Season 3, Episode 47]

"The Land of Smiles" has been one of the most successful
marketing campaigns in history. So much so, that many people come
to Thailand thinking that every single person in the country is a
smiling angel, and are shocked when someone is mean or tries to
scam them.


This is Greg's theory anyway, and it's one of many that he
and Ed discuss as they ponder if Thailand really is deserving of
its title as one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Spoiler - both Greg and Ed think it probably is, but there are a
few caveats. How does social structure dictate outward
friendliness? Is there a difference between being friendly and
being nice? And how much of this reputation comes from dumbass
foreigners like us misinterpreting subtle social cues that are
embedded deep in Thai culture?


Much like one's opinion of Thailand will be colored by
their individual experience, so are Thais colored by their
individual personalities, and a sweeping generalization - even a
positive one - doesn't do any country justice. As Greg subtly
explains: "Some of the biggest dickheads I know are Canadians,
and we're all supposed to be nice!"


As always, the podcast will continue to be
100% funded by listeners just like you who get
some special swag from us. And we'll keep our
Facebook, Twitter,
and LINE accounts active so you can
send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to
share.