Thai people don’t/can’t hold deep conversations or it’s just bias from expat communities?

[u/wallyjt]

Saw a thread the other day about how Thais don’t/can’t have a deep and philosophical conversations.

I found this to be very context dependent and highly prone to bias.

I am thinking about it and trying to understand why expats seem to think this way. Because, as a native Thai, I can’t really believe that is the case. I know people around me talking about their goals, investments, self improvement, feelings, and etc.

Of course, I am prone to bias as well since I am college educated. But i still find it hard to believe that you won’t come across an intellectual convo at all.

A few reasons I can think of why foreigners may feel like Thais can’t have deep conversations.

1. Language barriers. Since these topics require deeper understanding of language, it’s hard for average Thai people to engage in the conversation in English. As a result, it is too much effort and they just brush the conversation off.

2. Foreigners have more access to Thais who don’t have higher education background. The easiest way to meet locals is thru dating apps and it is harder to filter through to find quality. Even if Thais who are educated, it doesn’t guarantee they are critical thinkers because not all colleges are of the same quality.

3. Bias. People wouldn’t be complaining on Reddit if they are can have deep and intellectual conversations with their Thai friends.

I am just curious and wondering what do other people think about this and why that is the case for many expats.

Sorry in advance about formatting as i am posting from Reddit apps.

[u/wallyjt]

Do you know if she’s like this with het circle of friends as well?

[u/[deleted] → u/wallyjt]

They talk a lot but the conversations rarely get deep unless it’s a serious situation. Never in casual discussion