Is Learning Thai Really Necessary? (2.19)

To learn to speak Thai or not learn to speak Thai. That is
the question. No, literally. It's the question we're asking each
other on behalf of all people who come to live in Thailand. As
you'll hear, we have a difference of opinion.

So yeah, we're the #1 travel podcast in Thailand. That's
kinda cool. But it's not what we're talking about today… (but
thanks for subscribing!) We ask ourselves a simple
question on this week's show: If you're going to "live" in
Thailand, do you need to learn Thai? Not surprisingly, we have
differing opinions on the matter. Greg, the 16 year expat,
staunchly feels anyone wishing to live in Thailand needs to learn
the language. Evo, not surprisingly, takes the opposite view.
Then again, he only has a year under his belt, so take his
opinion with a shot of nam pla. Some arguments for
include the ability to keep yourself out of trouble by knowing
what warning signs say, having a deeper
understanding of Thai culture, and generally paying
homage to the fact that you're living in a country with something
other than your native tongue as the official language.
Arguments against include the fact that most (but not all)
signs that you really need to see are also presented in English,
Thai students have been forced to learn English (or at least
enroll in English classes) for decades, and that technology makes
for easy as-you-need it translation. Not
surprisingly, there's more to it that that. Listen to the show to
see which side of the argument you identify with. For bonus
points, leave us a comment on the blog, or even a review on
iTunes with your thoughts on who's right. Because we strive for
your approval! Kidding. Oh, and that better translation
app Evo mentioned? It comes from Thai-Language.com, a great web
resource. They have an iOS app, but we're not sure about
Android. Get it.
Love, Loathe, or Leave?

Thai pajamas. Or the "farang uniform". Lightweight,
colorful and comfortable pants  that gather around the waist
that no self-respecting Thai person would be caught dead in. I
think we're giving away our opinions on these horrid garments.
Clean it up a bit, tourists. This is Bangkok. Put on the big
person pants when you go out in public, OK?
Want more?

Leave a review here or send us a message on the contact tab
at the top menu, or leave a review for us on iTunes
or Google Play. Oh, and we have a Facebook
page! You can even Tweet to the show
@bangkokpodcast or us personally at
@bkkgreg or
@evoterra. We'll see you next week on The
Bangkok Podcast!


(Direct download .mp3)