Thailand-USA Information Portal and Hub

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 »

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 »