Thailand-USA Information Portal and Hub

The United States of America Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton made a diplomatic and humanitarian visit to Thailand on November 16 and 17, 2011. Following this text is an embedded video clip including speeches by both Clinton and the Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra. Read more »

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This first weekend of July, 2011 is an important time for both Thais and Americans alike. Read more »

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Upon learning that a sequel to the Hollywood blockbuster, the Hangover was being filmed in my then-residence Bangkok, curiosities arose. When you’ve lived in Thailand’s capital for the better part of a decade, you pretty much see it all and it doesn’t take long before one becomes jaded amid the cosmopolitan wonder of a city which [international] name’s pronunciation resembles a ludicrous action. What follows is a part-film review, part-social-cultural perspective and critique, and represents the sincere opinions of the author.  Read more »

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Following are images taken in Denver and Thornton, Colorado during the period between the months of February and March of 2011. These images–random and intentional snaps of typical, ordinary, daily life in the United States–were taken with a Nokia smart phone, model E63, which camera’s resolution is less than two mega pixels. For web optimization, the photos have been reduced to 25 percent of their original size. Read more »

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Since departing stateside last on December 31, 2003, the Siamerican Wanderer’s February, 2011 return to the fatherland marked some 85 months habituating the land of Thai straight through; having anticipated a long-due return to his birth country, the dual-national, Siamese-American hybrid had diligently been preparing himself mentally and physically for several months leading up to his most recent Asia-exodus flight, knowing all-to-well he would be at high risk of ‘culture shock’ when re-exposed to the multi-cultural tessellation commonly known as America. Read more »

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In tourism Thailand–from the grimes of Kao Sarn road to the sleeze of Patpong, Pattaya  and Patong–you’re certain to run into public drunks staggering around with an open bottle in hand. Foreign holidayers and some misguided expats have mistaken the streets of Thailand for some hippie festival–a 365 day/24 hour party. Mindful locals and expats who have either inherited wise common sense or have earned it with a hard lesson of bad experience know better. Every now and then, an incident happens which reminds us of what not to do. The following report is of a Thai who had to fatally learn the hard way. Unfortunately for him, there will be no second chance.
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Following is a (nipped down version of) reflective essay by Neaw, a 2nd year Thai University student who visited the USA in the summer of 2009 on a travel-work program. The essay was composed for Intercultural Communications  course at Thammasat University. For the sake of readability, the Literature Summary part has been ommitted:

Is self more important than society? In regards to intercultural studies amidst the age of globalization, this is perhaps the most commonly addressed question. Last summer, I traveled to the United States, having the opportunity to work at a popular amusement park in Vallejo, just outside of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area in Northern California. The pace and style of life over there was all new to me, much different to what I was used to in Bangkok. During this brief yet enlightening experience living and working overseas, I gained valuable insights about not only American culture, but my own Thai background in comparison. Here I present a narrative of my experience, highlighting the manifestation of the cultural values of individualism apparent in the US, contrasted with collectivism in Thailand, respectfully. Read more »

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The following essay was initially completed for a College Writing Composition and Theory essay assignment at Bangkok University International College:

Amazing Thailand, the Land of Smiles—such is the tone of promotional brands for the place I have called home for some seven years. Long before I ever stepped foot in Southeast Asia–for as long as I can remember–Thailand has carried appeal and charm abreast my youthful psyche. In the days as a young and curious boy growing up in/ around Denver, Colorado, I would indulge in Southeast Asia picture and geography books for hours at a time, day dreaming about a distant yet ever so familiar paradise out yonder the great Ocean; A dream land that would eventually become reality. Read more »

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