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this is a really good question Pailin

today I was talking to one of the farang teachers at school, she has stayed here for over 5 years now, having worked with refugees and hilltribe people, now taking a break from having to deal with so many upsetting experiences all the time. she told us about the extent of human trafficking and the plight of the poorest people up in the mountains, about pollution of drinking water resources and tuberculosis and refugees not having any legal status.
what is real? Thailand is so keen on appearances. no matter what's just underneath the surface, everything must look perfect. I suspect much of the poverty and suffering comes from the fact that people prefer not to acknowledge the existence of problems. I would say everything we see or don't see or choose not to see is real here, because there are real people experiencing it. you can't say the slums or the brothels with child prostitutes or fake handicapped beggars are not the real Thailand, because for some people that is everyday reality. for me, the touristy night bazaar is just as real as a bus ride to Pai in the company of three reeeeeking durians. the monks' alms round is just as real as an elephant show. I try to be aware of traditions and local ways of life and thinking, I can distinguish between touristy and authentic, but in terms of reality, I wouldn't say either is superior or inferior. it's all Thailand as it is.
I hope this makes sense.