Canada and Thailand: A Comparison

After six years in a foreign country, I have finally returned to Canada. I loved a great many things about Thailand and knew that I would miss the place when I left. On the other hand, there were certain aspects of Thai society that had become difficult to live with and the growing bitterness and contempt were wearing me down. Two weeks after setting foot back in Canada for the first time in six years, the differences are stark. Here are my impressions.

The Food

No comparison here really. Thai food is some of the most varied and tastiest in the world. And not only specific dishes, of which there are many I am craving already, but simply the abundance and availability. Every neighbourhood has numerous food vendors offering barbecued meat, seafood, fruit, a huge selection of dishes that are full meals in themselves and a wide variety of different desserts.

In Canada, most food is bought from large supermarkets. Much of it is processed and laced with additives. Of course, you can eat well here, but it takes much more effort and is far more expensive.

The Weather

I got used to the overwhelming heat and humidity of Thailand after a few years. Anyone who has lived in a northern climate knows that the summers can be as hot as in many tropical countries. However, I don't think I will ever again have both my body's functioning and my behaviour regulated by hot weather the way I did in Thailand.

What about winter? That's another story. I'm not looking forward to heading into the deep freeze for the first time in 15 years (my last stint in Canada was in Vancouver, where winters are moderate in comparison to the rest of the country.) Winter sports will provide some respite but overall it's going to be a big adjustment.

Equity, Fairness and Opportunity

Canada obliterates Thailand regarding all such considerations. Thailand is truly one of the most unjust societies in the world. In fact, that's what makes life so easy there for the large expat community. The wealthy and middle classes basically live their lives on the backs of the poor. I've lost track of the number of foreigners who are convinced that the lower classes in Thailand are perfectly happy with their lot in life.

This winsome, fairy-tale idea that Thais who are battered down by the exploitation and unfairness feel no sadness or pain is just a load of garbage. Sure, most of them make the best of their situation and they have many others to relate to. But desperation and hopelessness is widespread.

Conclusion

Reverse culture shock is no myth. It often feels as though I am living in a sterile wasteland. A land of nothing. I look out the window of the house where I am living and there is no sign of human life. I look again 20 minutes, an hour later and nothing has changed. The inanities that are considered worthy of inclusion on the local evening broadcast are an amusing reminder of just how little most people have to worry about here.

I know that as the summer fades and the first signs of winter appear, I'll be haunted by thoughts of Thailand. I will return for a holiday eventually and I may even live there again in the future. However, it would be at least 20 years before I would even consider that option.

For the time being, I'm going to enjoy living in a society where rule of law, democracy and other egalitarian notions provide the kind of protection and peace of mind that a foreigner can never have in Thailand. It's good to be back.