How can I get close to the people in Thailand, and not have the usual tourist experience?
Well, you could get on a bus during rush hour…. If you want to get close to the people, rule no. 1 is learn some Thai phrases before you come here. A good way to learn is to get a tape or a Thai phrasebook, and then find a Thai person to coach you. If you don’t know any Thai people in your country, check in a Thai restaurant, a donut shop, a Thai temple, places like that. Thai people will feel very flattered that you have made the effort to meet them on their turf, in their language. Thais are naturally friendly, and if you show them that you have an interest in them and their country, they’ll usually be very happy to be your friend. Second, make it your business to know something about Thailand before you come here. Read up on Thai culture — guidebooks are a good source of information, and you can also find books in the library or on the internet. Third, keep your eyes and ears open. Observe Thai people, and how they behave. Try eating at the places they eat, and going out to place
