I have read alot of books on culture shock but I first experienced it when I was 17. Being born in the Southern Highlands of NSW. I was a country boy and when I got off the plane in Bangkok for the first time and experienced Thailand for a few days, I suddenly started feeling these rushes of anger burst forth, at anyone who was unlucky enough to have made the smallest of mistakes in my opinion. I finally ended up wanting to get on the plane and go home. Lucky I ended up calming down in the end and stayed.
As the years passed and I kept returning to Thailand where I noticed my old friend culture shock visit me here and there I ended up looking into what it in fact was.

Culture shock happens when the mind is overstimulated by a new experience, surrounding, people etc. This is compounded with the mind being on alert at all times and not at ease in its new environment. This in turn causes tiredness. It all finally results in the mind wanting to run back to what is familiar.

So a Thai may act in a way that you don’t like but they in fact may be trying to be nice. Incorrect assumptions are made because the mind is tried and negative which leads the senses and decision making process to be dulled. So what have I found to help. Well when you feel these out of character feelings inside, go back to your room and watch movies from your own culture or talk to someone familiar from home over internet chat , or eat your cultures own cuisine. These simple remedies can save a Thai from getting an ear bashing for just trying to make a living.

There is alot of competition in Thai market places so try to be patient when some seller is forcing some of there wares upon you and is trying to rip you off at the same time. Sure try and get the best price but enjoy the challenge. I assure you Thais love the challenge and always put on a smile even though alot may have made no where near enough money for the day.
I hope this blog entry pays off some Karma for when the Thai has coped my anger for just trying to make a dollar off a visitor to there beautiful country.