I had a blast over there. Outside in the country it was very different... okay... let's see if I can organize some thoughts....

I really enjoy this question, because I am eager to share with anyone a description of what I experienced, from an American perspective. I would like to post a second response, though, with more info. But for now, a brief summary.....

Had a great time there. Both in the city of Bangkok and outside. As a whole, Thailand is friendly towards Americans. I have never had a problem, however the first time using the subway I was advised that the route would pass through a particular section with a higher middle east population and it may not be a good idea to go there, epsecially if you look American. Now, with me, I look American, probably because how I dress. But I'm Native American and can blend more easily if I give it effort.

In BKK, always be street smart. Watch your wallet. Thai's are friendly.. Thailand is known as the country of smiles. This is true. They do like foriegners too, sometimes too much that the locals complain of preferential treatment. Taxi's might first stop at a group of Thai's but then see some Western foriegner and then skip the Thai group just to get the Westerner. Everyone notice things like this. And it's not uncommon for some merchants to raise a price of something when dealing with a foreigner. That has not happened to me.

I can go on and on, and would like to. I don't have a problem communicating b/c my wife does the talking. She speaks the language fluently while I am still learning it.

If you want to go to Thailand, the tourist spots in the south.. the beach resorts.. are probably good choices because they cater more towards foreigners who do not speak the language. Where as Bangkok, it's more for business. You'll be amazed how many people can speak english.. it's the world's defacto international language.

I want to write a bigger post!

--Death

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*~~~{==========- Death at Midnight -==========}~~~*