Uncertainty

Life is unpredictable in Thailand. Combine this with my lack of communication skills in Thai, and everything becomes uncertain. I have this special skill of agreeing to things even if I don't understand. In taxis this isn't usually a problem, but if you are trying to organise what you are going to do for the day then it can make things quite interesting. When I am speaking Thai, I am so pleased if I can understand a little bit of what is said, that I don't worry so much about the whole conversation. Therefore, I might just pick up that I am going to Chaiyaphum tomorrow, but not the time or meeting place. You might gather this leads to quite a bit of uncertainty!

However, uncertainty is not such a bad thing. It means you have to be ready for anything, be able to change your plans at the drop of a hat, and be on your feet at all times. The Thai people are masters at this, and people in England are probably the worst! We are a stubborn nation who like to stick to our plans and not make positive changes in our lives. Things change very slowly in England (jing jing). It is not so easy to get things done. In Thailand it seems that anything is possible, not so many restrictions, uncertainty is common, and change is acceptable. Some might argue that the comfort of living is better in England, but somehow the people of Thailand come across as being more comfortable with their lives. My feeling towards this is that Thai people appear happier possibly because they are better at coping with the uncertainty of life, and are more accepting of change. If you are always alert and ready for anything then how can you be disappointed? You just deal with it.

The result of this is that I might be going to Chaiyaphum tomorrow — but anything could happen!