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The Thailand You Don’t Know: Confessions of a Year-Long Resident

Janet Tseng
6 min readJan 8, 2025

From sabai sabai philosophy to ice-cold beers — 5 things about Thailand you won’t find in guidebooks.

Yes, I’m from Taiwan (not Thailand) — but let me tell you about Thai culture!

As a Taiwanese, I’m very used to people mixing up Thailand and Taiwan when I travel abroad. Honestly, sometimes I just don’t bother to explain anymore — wherever you think I’m from, that’s fine! It’s become a running joke in my life.

It was my year living in Thailand that finally put an end to this confusion — at least for the locals there. This experience not only taught me about Thai culture but also gave me unique insights into a country often misunderstood by outsiders. Let me share with you five fascinating aspects of Thai life that I discovered during my immersion.

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The “Sabai Sabai” Philosophy: Thailand’s Secret to Happiness

Imagine a lifestyle where stress is optional and relaxation is mandatory. This is “Sabai Sabai” — a Thai concept that goes beyond “take it easy.” It’s a cultural mindset that permeates everything from business meetings to daily errands. In my opinion, that’s also the main reason that you hardly ever hear honking on the streets — most people won’t rush ahead of you; they don’t mind waiting for a minute or two to…

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Janet Tseng
Janet Tseng

Written by Janet Tseng

Traveler, dreamer, and life enthusiast—the girl next door with a passion for writing and sharing, who lives with warmth and an open mind.

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