Who has worked and lived in S.E Asia ?

Question

Now that the giggle is over?
Are there any users here who have spent parts of their life in Thailand , Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar) Malaysia etc.? If so do you get a culture shock and a half when returning to UK? Does being in any of the above countries make you really value and appreciate seeing in others; dignity, politeness,etiquette and a self pride. Also a huge loyalty and honour to family. Why are these people qualities so absent here, yet are so much a priority in much, much poorer cultures?

Answer 1

One reason is the culture of collectivism vs individualism.
In addition to being a learned process, there might be a genetic component to this as well. In general, there are a lot more followers in those countries with fewer leaders, out-spoken, aggressive or type I personalities compared to the West. As a result, as in many cases for westerners,they tend to make more money or economic advancement in the West and then have the option to retire there.
Our mind should be opened to the fact that generalization is not always right. There are plenty of people without dignity, pride or politeness in those countries. Some sell their kids, cut down the forest or involve in very bad and violent crime as well as corruption. On the other hand, there are not many locals who want to say bad things about their countries or burn their flags (just never enter their minds).
With economic advancement, more and more of them tend to lose the collectivism and embrace individualism and capitalism. The divorce rate is going up and there are plenty of fights in families. There are many conflicting signs in their society. The traffic in Bangkok is crazy with a lot less rules or etiquette on the road. However, despite the heat, humidity and terrible traffic jam, there are a few drivers who still have smiles on their faces.
(Thailand- land of the smile)
Choke Dee

Answer 2

i am a part time resident of vietnam. i spend about three months a year there visiting my wife and daughter, as well as my new, extended family.
i don't know how bad things are in the uk but here in america, rudeness and xenophobia are quite common. i've been visiting vietnam for ten years now and decided to not only marry there, but to retire as well. i hope to have amassed enough assets to retire in a few more years.
the last part of your question is the toughest to answer. maybe because the culture in asia is so old, people have learned to get along better?

Answer 3

nicely the countries that crosses my ideas should be singapore and thailand, yet obviously you've already pronounced that. why do not you try Philippines, human beings there are also english conversing, and dud, that united states of america is made out of islands, there is coastline everywhere! the all and multiple seems hospitable too. and uh...nicely that is all i ought to imagine of now.

Answer 4

me! i live in singapore (neighbour of malaysia).

my country loved promoting racial harmony. especially with the different races and religion living together.

and.. i think i got misleaded by your question here. =x