DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Any techniques to overcome 'wilful ignorance' ????

**Eromereorybig** · 09-21-2012, 08:53 PM

I can assure you I'm not going to lie to save any ones face. If you base a relationship on lie's, then what type of relationship are you really in ? I would say not a very good one.

I don't think you understand the concept of face, or you have misinterpreted my post.

What westerners would call a white lie ( in thai - a noble lie ) is done to avoid conflict or losing face. Seen as the best solution. Avoid seriousness.

These are not western attitudes. I am not saying I like it any more than you do. I am merely pointing out a different way of thinking between two peoples.

A true story: Person waiting for an appointment with a Thai in Bangkok. Waits half an hour, no show so rings on mobile. Says he is near Sukhumvit Soi xx in heavy traffic. Knowing the area, waits half an hour. No show, rings again. Traffic heavy, be with you in 10 minutes.

The guy was actually in Chiangmai and another Thai had to explain the "excuses" were to avoid the person getting upset.

You see many Thais think differently. No right or wrong - just different.

A Thai will rarely say no in a business situation. He would say maybe.

They have different concepts of honesty, permanence, ....

Just some thoughts, the topic is immense.

09-21-2012, 08:53 PM	#34
Eromereorybig Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 469 Senior Member	I can assure you I'm not going to lie to save any ones face. If you base a relationship on lie's, then what type of relationship are you really in ? I would say not a very good one. I don't think you understand the concept of face, or you have misinterpreted my post. What westerners would call a white lie ( in thai - a noble lie ) is done to avoid conflict or losing face. Seen as the best solution. Avoid seriousness. These are not western attitudes. I am not saying I like it any more than you do. I am merely pointing out a different way of thinking between two peoples. A true story: Person waiting for an appointment with a Thai in Bangkok. Waits half an hour, no show so rings on mobile. Says he is near Sukhumvit Soi xx in heavy traffic. Knowing the area, waits half an hour. No show, rings again. Traffic heavy, be with you in 10 minutes. The guy was actually in Chiangmai and another Thai had to explain the "excuses" were to avoid the person getting upset. You see many Thais think differently. No right or wrong - just different. A Thai will rarely say no in a business situation. He would say maybe. They have different concepts of honesty, permanence, .... Just some thoughts, the topic is immense.
	Quote