[Retapleapse]

The issue of directness might be a matter of style. Nobody wants to have a serious accusatory conversation. But I've seen Thai people convey severe disapproval with their body language and facial expressions, and among friends there can be a lot of teasing about peoples' faults or foibles. This is a different way of communicating, and perhaps it doesn't seem as effective in getting the point across. But consider that many people in the West cannot "process" direct criticism anyway. They don't believe it (denial), they don't accept responsibility (blaming others), they minimize its significance (comparing with the accuser), and so on. Directness can lead to more psychological defensiveness; it can be less effective.

If you respect and care about a colleague or acquaintance, you need to communicate with them in a way that gets through to them. Whether it's blunt or roundabout, angry or tearful or jovial, shouldn't be decided by the expectations of the culture, but by what is going to work for the individuals involved. Well, that's my 2 cents, as a person who isn't good at taking hints.