Discover the unexpected ways living in Thailand changes how you see the UK — from food and health care to traffic and taxes. A brutally honest, often humourous take on life between two worlds.
How switching countries opens your eyes to what really works, what doesn’t, and what no one back home is talking about.
Culture Shocks You Can’t Unsee
There’s no way to live in both Thailand and the UK and not get smacked in the face by the cultural opposites.
- Traffic signs, same symbols – opposite meaning. In the UK, flashing your lights means “get out of my way.” In Thailand, it means “you go first, friend.”
- Traffic lights? Red means speed up. Green means also speed up.
- Left indicator in Thailand? It might mean they’re parking. Or pulling into traffic. Or doing both and changing their mind halfway.
- Light switches? Flipped upside-down.
- Cutlery? Spoons do all the work in Thailand. Knives are reserved for cooking — not eating.
- Corn? Dessert in Thailand.
- Gone-off fish smell? Weirdly comforting here.
- There are so many more. Let me know some that you noticed
The People: Brutal Truths & Honest Observations
Thai Women vs UK Women
Generalizations? Sure. But the trends are hard to ignore.
- Thai women are more feminine, well-groomed, and graceful. It’s a cultural norm.
- Appearance matters — even at the 7-Eleven at 10pm.
- Traditional values haven’t disappeared here, and it shows in relationships, family life, and how people carry themselves.
- In contrast, many UK women have embraced the “take me as I am” mentality — and that seems to mean jogging bottoms, messy buns, and a packet of Quavers.
Kids
Thai kids wai their teachers and use polite language.
UK kids will curse you and the bus driver before finishing their Monster Energy. I would be happy to let my boy play with a group of young Thai teenagers at the park here. They take care of each other. Sadly, that can’t be said for a group of teens in the UK.
Friendliness
Thai people are famously kind, generous, and helpful — especially to strangers.
In the UK, friendliness is more reserved. Think nods, polite distance, and passive-aggressive tutting.
Odd Little Things That Stick With You</h2>
Chemtrails. In the UK, the sky often looks like it’s been scribbled on. Weather modification? Vapor trails? You decide.
Giving on your birthday. In Thailand, you bring food or gifts on your birthday. It’s strangely fulfilling.
Street animals. Dogs, cats, chickens – part of daily life in Thailand.
Noise culture. Thai weddings with 4am bass. UK weddings end at 10:30 with an apologetic DJ.
Efficiency. Need an ID card? Done in 20 minutes. Need something fixed? Done in no time at very little cost and with a smile.
Thai hospitals? Like 5-star hotels.
UK hospitals? Like waiting rooms for purgatory.
Doctors in Thailand? Quick, kind, and love giving meds. For everything.
Food: One Country Eats to Live, The Other Lives to Eat (Affordably)
UK Dining
Want to eat out every night in the UK? Better remortgage the house. A curry, pint, and naan can set you back £25+.
Even a trip to Nando’s isn’t casual anymore.
Thailand
Eating out is the norm — not the exception.
- Street food meals: 40–60 baht (around £0.90–£1.50)
- Noodles, grilled meat, papaya salad, fried rice — everywhere, always hot and fresh
- No tipping. No service charges. No sad lettuce garnish.
Who’s Really ‘Developing’?
Thailand’s still called a developing country. But honestly?
- The roads are better.
- Public services are faster.
- Systems just work.
- Tax is lower — but the infrastructure is smoother.
- You don’t need 3 months and a folder of paperwork to renew your license.
Meanwhile, some parts of the UK feel like they’re falling apart. Public services are overrun. Cities are decaying. People are struggling.
Is it by design? Maybe. But it’s hard to deny things are sliding.
Final Thoughts: A Foot in Both Worlds
Living between Thailand and the UK opens your eyes in ways you never expect. You start noticing the good, the bad, and the absolutely baffling in both places.
You appreciate:
- The peaceful walks along a UK canal, where wild berries grow untouched.
- The raw kindness and joy of Thai street culture.
- The food, the simplicity, and the insane value for money in Thailand.
- And the occasional pint and sarcasm that only Brits do properly.
In the end, neither place is perfect — but living between them helps you notice the real stuff.
