"The CultureShock!" series is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides for those travellers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting. Each title explains the customs, traditions, social and business etiquette in a lively and informative style. "CultureShock!" authors, all of whom have experienced the joys and pitfalls of cultural adaptation, are ideally placed to provide warm and informative advice to those who seek to integrate seamlessly into diverse cultures. The books in this series have a friendly and honest writing style and are full of personal experiences, practical advice and useful information. Each "CultureShock!" book contains: insights into the people and their culture and traditions; advice on adapting into the local environment; linguistic help and hints on how to learn the language and do business; a useful list of foreign words and phrases and a comprehensive resource guide; and how to get the most out of your travel experience.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
This book suffers from a very dated view of Thailand with massively exagerrated ideas of what Thai people will find offensive. Having lived in Thailand for a while and having a Thai girlfriend and many close Thai friends, I can confirm that many of the apparent faux pas listed in this book come as a complete surprise to Thai people I have asked. I suspect that this may be due to the fact that this book is centred on Bangkok, which is massively different to the North. For example, it states Thai people dont like to have their personal space invaded. As a British man being forced to get used to other men leaning on me, putting their arm around me, putting their hand on my knee etc., I can say this definitely isn't true in the north. This is just one piece of advice that has been completely contradicted by my experience.
It also falls down in it's attempts to explain the reasoning behind the culture, with very little details into the history of the people and therefore the reason behind any cultural differences. This kind of detail would have helped the visitors understanding and application of these cultural niceties (of course, when it did explain something, for example, no pointing directly at people as this refers to the time when warlords would point at villagers at random to decide who would be killed in order to instill fear in other citizens, when you actual mention this to a thai person they are completely unaware of it). As said in other reviews, a few basic rules like not touching peoples heads (which will only matter to a few people anywya) are all that is needed and you'll find these in any travel guide. Dont bother with this book
It also falls down in it's attempts to explain the reasoning behind the culture, with very little details into the history of the people and therefore the reason behind any cultural differences. This kind of detail would have helped the visitors understanding and application of these cultural niceties (of course, when it did explain something, for example, no pointing directly at people as this refers to the time when warlords would point at villagers at random to decide who would be killed in order to instill fear in other citizens, when you actual mention this to a thai person they are completely unaware of it). As said in other reviews, a few basic rules like not touching peoples heads (which will only matter to a few people anywya) are all that is needed and you'll find these in any travel guide. Dont bother with this book
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting but other books are more necessary and better than this one
27 May 2009
Just a quick review- I bought this book for my first trip to Thailand. I had a read of some of the history and parts on ettiquette on what to do and not do. However I think this book is a little behind Thailand which is much more up to date with the times and some of the information doesn't seem to apply. Also the bit about how to use Thai toilets- I only encountered one squatting 'hole' on my entire trip. I thought this would help me with any faux pas...such as with different kinds of bowing. However this did not come up, so the book seemed unecessary. The parts on food were helpful though. Interesting to read but not essential and a lot of what the book says is condensed in to other guide books. Lonely Planet guides to Thailand and Thailand's Islands and Beaches edition are the two I would recommend.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By I. Griffin
From what i have read so far this book is firmly aimed at the tourist. It also for me seems to start by looking at the negative sides of things although most of them are quite accurate.
I brought this book for a friend of mine that will be coming to Thailand to saty with me and my Thai wife and i wanted me friend to read an independant guide about the culture of Thailand, but she asked me to read it first.
I think what it should say to start with is " As with going to ANY country for the first time use some caution"
As i have said from what i have read so far it is quite a good book and worth a read, but as someone that knows Thailand and the Thai people quite well, be respectful, but also be careful. When you find your feel you should be fine like thousands of visitors each and every year.
I brought this book for a friend of mine that will be coming to Thailand to saty with me and my Thai wife and i wanted me friend to read an independant guide about the culture of Thailand, but she asked me to read it first.
I think what it should say to start with is " As with going to ANY country for the first time use some caution"
As i have said from what i have read so far it is quite a good book and worth a read, but as someone that knows Thailand and the Thai people quite well, be respectful, but also be careful. When you find your feel you should be fine like thousands of visitors each and every year.
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