It’s incurable, this culture shock. Robert Cooper’s ninth edition of his 30-year-old book, first published in 1982, retains that healthy mix between a guidebook and practical suggestions for how to stay or even live, happily maybe, in Thailand.
Written in a friendly voice, it covers a range of cultural details from the Thais’ concept of time to the usual bafflement of kreng jai (coupled with jai yen, Cooper believes that it’s a formula of harmony, though frankly, not really). The prose is sincere, even endearing: “Nightlife is not usually considered as a hobby or a sport, although it takes on both roles for a number of expatriate men.”
via Culture Shock! Thailand | Bangkok Post: Arts & Culture.
