Thailand Black Book: Surviving the Land of Smiles

Many people come to Krabi, and all over Thailand not really knowing what the country is like. Will you be OK? Is it safe enough? What is OK and NOT OK to do in Thailand while you’re on vacation? Thailand Black Book was written for tourists like you who need to know all they can about how things operate in this VERY DIFFERENT country.

What Is THAILAND BLACK BOOK All About?

“Thailand Black Book” is a guide for travelers and expats in Thailand, aiming to offer practical, real-world advice for navigating life in the country. Written by someone with nearly two decades of experience living in Thailand, the book touches on the good, the bad, and the strange aspects of life in the Kingdom.

One of the core themes is that Thailand is a land of contradictions. The author, having lived in Thailand for more than 6,000 days, admits that even after all this time, he doesn’t have everything figured out. Thailand is a complicated place with its own rules and cultural codes that can baffle foreigners. The author’s journey has been filled with love and frustration in equal measure, and he’s frank about the challenges people face while living in or visiting Thailand.

The book starts with an introduction that gives readers a taste of what they’re in for. The author admits that his early attempts to understand Thailand didn’t go as planned. He thought after a few years, he’d have it all down. But after five years, he realized he was still far from understanding the core of Thai culture. One key concept he emphasizes is “Thai face”—a complex cultural idea about honor, reputation, and avoiding public embarrassment, which is crucial for anyone living or traveling in Thailand to grasp.

He reflects on Thailand’s COVID-19 situation in 2021, highlighting the country’s efforts to manage the pandemic. Even with some of the strictest measures, like mandatory mask-wearing, Thailand has its own way of handling things, which can sometimes appear inconsistent or even strange to outsiders. The author gives readers an idea of how life has changed due to the pandemic, such as restrictions on travel and the closure of bars and nightclubs. He shares his personal experience of dealing with these changes and offers advice on how to adapt to the evolving situation.

Chapters and What’s Inside?

The table of contents reveals the wide range of topics the book covers. It’s not just about living in Thailand; it’s about surviving. The first chapter deals with natural dangers, from venomous snakes to aggressive wild animals and hazardous conditions in the environment. Next, he talks about Thailand’s notoriously dangerous roads, where motorbike accidents are common, and traffic laws seem more like suggestions. The book also discusses how to stay safe in Thailand’s nightlife, dealing with the risks of drugs, alcohol, and the sex industry.

The guide includes practical tips on navigating Thai culture, with insights into relationships between foreign men and Thai women, foreign women and Thai men, and even the vibrant ladyboy community. The author doesn’t shy away from discussing taboo topics like pornography, underage sex laws, and illegal drugs. He warns readers about the risks involved and advises them to stay clear of anything that could get them into trouble with the law.

One of the standout chapters talks about how Thais fight. It’s not just about physical altercations; it’s also about understanding when to walk away and how to avoid conflict. Violence can escalate quickly, and knowing how to navigate tense situations can save your life.

Scams are another key issue. Thailand, like many tourist-heavy destinations, has its share of people looking to take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners. The author lists various types of scams you might encounter, from taxi drivers overcharging to more sophisticated cons involving fake police officers. Being aware of these pitfalls can help visitors avoid losing money or worse.

For those considering a long-term stay, the author gives advice on teaching English in Thailand and offers money-saving tips. He shares that living cheaply is possible, with low-cost housing, inexpensive food, and affordable transportation. A key point the author makes is that Thailand can be a very budget-friendly place to live if you know where to look and how to manage your money.

Towards the end, the author talks about some of the best reasons to move to Thailand. From its warm climate to its world-class diving spots, cheap food, and the famous Thai smile, there’s a lot to love about living here. Yet, the author balances this with the caution that life in Thailand isn’t for everyone. Some people will love it, others won’t, but understanding what you’re getting into is key.

The book is not an all-encompassing guide to Thailand—no guidebook could be—but it offers a perspective you won’t find in glossy tourist brochures. The author avoids politics and Thailand’s Royal Family as topics, choosing instead to focus on the everyday challenges and rewards of life in the country.

This is a guide for anyone who wants to cut through the myths and get a real sense of what it’s like to live in or visit Thailand. Whether you’re a young backpacker or a retiree looking to make the move, “THAILAND BLACK BOOK” has something valuable to offer. Just remember, Thailand will always surprise you—sometimes in good ways, and sometimes in ways that will leave you scratching your head.

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