Return to Siam
It has been almost six months since I returned to Thailand after spending 18 years in the United States. I must admit that I feel like a foreigner in my own country. This feeling reminds me of the early days when I decided to be more adventurous and travel to new destinations in the U.S. The difference is that back then, I was filled with excitement, eager to learn new things and meet a diverse range of people from various racial and religious backgrounds.
Leaving Thailand and moving directly to America felt like stepping into an entirely new world. I was confident in my English skills, as I held a minor in English and a major in mass communication. However, I soon realized that I needed to relearn some aspects of the language, particularly because the pronunciation in American English differed significantly from what I had learned in school in Thailand.
During my 18 years in a foreign country, I gained a deep understanding of myself and identified both my strengths and weaknesses. Eventually, I adapted well to life in the U.S., made many good friends, and earned a decent living. I even felt as though I could spend the rest of my life there. My American friends often joked that I was an American trapped in an Asian’s body.
It had been over 10 years of joyful experiences until January 20, 2017…
The year when Americans and immigrants began to shift from peaceful coexistence to disrespectful and harmful behavior was significant. Additionally, during the COVID pandemic in 2019–2020, some of my friends began moving out of New York State. After the quarantine, interactions among people in the U.S. generally became more unpleasant.
I can only speak for the East Coast, as that’s where I was during this time. Finally, the inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, was a returning point for me. It was time to return to my roots. I mentioned life in the US, but the focus of this article is on returning to Thailand. I am proud to be a Thai woman, and that pride has never wavered.
I love my original Thai culture and believe I represented my roots well while living in a foreign country. Every country has beautiful aspects of its culture. However, I was also impressed by some of the helpful structures and rules of living in America, and I wish my country could adopt some of those practices.
Everyday life with traffic laws in Thailand needs to be safer. I often see drivers ignoring the rules; they drive in illegal lanes and don’t stop for anyone. Many of them are aggressive and believe they have the right of way, often showing a willingness to put others at risk during conflicts on the road. I want to clarify that I don’t mean to generalize all Thai drivers, but if we are being honest, this is a serious issue.
Furthermore, not many traffic police are willing to enforce the law against those who break it, regardless of their financial status, whether they are rich or poor.
I visited my friend in southern Thailand, and we took a boat to explore several nearby islands. I was disappointed and sad with what I saw. There are so many boats available for tourists, and they allow them to park as close to the beach as possible, which takes away from the beauty of the area. It blocked the view, making it hard to appreciate the stunning color of the sea.
While we were in the middle of the ocean, the tour guide on the boat mentioned that this was a great area for scuba diving. I looked around and asked, “Where?” All I could see were boats parked everywhere, leaving only a small pool of seawater visible. One of my favorite islands, like Phi Phi Don, has been transformed with concrete walkways instead of sandy beaches, and restaurants have replaced the charming huts I used to love. I couldn’t help but vent my frustrations to my friends!
I understand that the government aims to support the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In my opinion, most foreigners visit Thailand to experience its beautiful nature and immerse themselves in it. Our country boasts amazing natural resources and stunning landscapes. So, why change the good parts?
There is still a sense of the original culture in rural Thailand that we can appreciate. The bustling markets, friendly people, and even the crystal-blue beaches in the southern part of the country contribute to this charm. I enjoy the atmosphere of local life. I love being able to buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers and local sellers. Visiting old restaurants that have been family-owned for generations is also a joy for me.
While I appreciate modern and luxurious experiences, such as those found in Bangkok, I wonder how we can thoughtfully blend Thai culture with modernity. Can we incorporate contemporary influences while preserving our cultural inheritance? Are we at risk of losing our unique identity to influences from Korea, Japan, or America? Who are we?
Let’s talk about language. I speak Thai fluently, but sometimes my choice of words leads to misunderstandings. Additionally, I often find myself disliking the vocabulary that others use. Is that strange? Honestly, I have noticed some negative thinking in others that I did not expect. Where is the “sawaddee”? Where is the welcome smile? This famous behavior is well-known around the world. Is it only meant for foreigners to see? I remember that Thai people are kind.
I am writing about the struggles I’m facing while adjusting to life back in my home country. This doesn’t mean I love my roots any less, nor does it imply that Thailand isn’t one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Thailand consistently ranks among the world’s most popular and safest travel destinations. However, I have experienced other places that have left a lasting impression on me.
We are living in 2025, and everything is developing. I hope that we can identify what aspects of our culture to improve and which parts to preserve, as there is already so much value in our heritage.
For anyone planning to visit Thailand, the government has recently updated the entry requirements. One key change is the introduction of a new digital arrival form that all foreign visitors must complete.
These updates aim to enhance border security and streamline the immigration process, altering the steps travelers need to follow to meet immigration requirements. You can find all the details at https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-entry-requirements-2025-what-to-know-before-your-travel.
Until we meet again,
Diva
โฆษณา
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