As I enter the latter half of my third year in Thailand, I am noticing a new phenomenon, and it is not restricted solely to myself.
It is the desire to lash out and put a fist in the face of some probably totally undeserving Thai.
It is the consequence of increased tension from a number of local sources that in the past you were able to shrug off with a smile, simply ignore, or were not even aware of.
* The greeting of your question of a Thai with a blank smile is no longer quirky, but clear evidence you are dealing with the brain dead.
* You tend to notice the short, bandy-legs and splayed feet ahead of the slim waists, gorgeous smiles, and lovely skin and hair of the Thai women.
* The sound of any syllable in Thai ending in -ao or -ai just grates, especially when screeched in a monosyllabic statement.
* You just want to grab the next mobile phone you see and throw it in the nearest klong.
* You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise every time an elevator or BTS door opens, knowing what inevitably comes next...
And the list goes on...
You know it is not healthy. You know the problem is as much about your tolerance and stress levels as it is about Thais. But you also know you can't shake it and also know that, sooner or later, you are going to crack...
I have discussed this with several people who are experiencing similar feelings. A couple are actually planning to go elsewhere for two or three months to perhaps clear out the tension before returning to enjoy life in Thailand as it should be, or used to be.
I am beginning to think that is not a bad idea. Maybe every couple of years, I will need a decent break from Thailand...and perhaps Thailand needs it from me!
Have others experienced this? What did you/do you do to work through it?
(And for the Thailophiles "Go home if you don't like it!" is not a valid response. I enjoy living here and wish to continue doing so...but these little things....argh!:p )