Things That Are Different

1.     Apartments are built for utility not convenience. The average size of a studio is 27 square meters. My apartment is 38sqm and sits on a corner so I have a bit more space. It’s designed like a studio.

2.     My apartment comes with the following: a queen-sized platform style bed, raised wardrobe built into the wall, television stand, rented flat screen TV (brand new), 4-foot tall silver fridge with built-in freezer and two ice trays, two trashcans, two drinking glasses, bed linens and a blanket and two bath towels.

3.     After the month of October, I will not have a TV, bed linens or blanket, or two towels because I don’t want to pay for the monthly housekeeping services. Plus, I don’t watch television.

4.     Larger apartments include a king-sized bed and western styles often include a divider, wall and door making it a 1-bedroom.

5.     There are no kitchens in a traditional Thai-style apartment.

6.     My fridge and television are rented and are in the same room as my bed.

7.     I have no microwave, oven, or stove.

8.     Ovens are not traditionally used in Thailand, although I’m told some are included or can be bought in western-style apartments.

9.     The bathroom sink has one faucet that produces room temperature water. This never waivers.

10.  The shower includes a heater that needs to be cranked on before the knob is turned to release the water. The water pressure is decent.

11.  There is a small glass wall separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom.

12.  There are no bathtubs in a traditional Thai-style apartment.

13.  Toilet tissue should never be flushed. There is a trashcan for the paper.

14.  I have to step down into the bathroom and down into the shower area. I also need to step down into the hallway when leaving my apartment.

15.  People drive on the left.

16.  Families ride their mopeds and motorcycles with their toddlers in front, no helmets.

17.  People negotiate pay to sit in the back of pickup trucks as a means of transportation. I’ve seen these people hanging out in the back as the truck drives along the expressway.

18.  Food stalls are everywhere and food is cheap. Food poisoning is also a possibility so care should be taken.

19.  Foreigners are everywhere and it’s odd for me to see so many strolling along the street.

20.  Stray dogs wander the street and are collared and fed by the locals.

21.  When getting into a taxi, one must always ask for the meter so as not to be charged too much later on.

22.  It is important to stand your ground when a taxi driver doesn’t want to give you your change.

23.  Say a prayer before hopping on the back of a motorcycle as a cheaper way of transit.

24.  Use common sense, have an open mind, exude patience and learn from the people around you.