Job Discussion Forums

[TawtViet]

How do Thais view teachers with a bit (honestly more than a bit) of over hang over the belt like many of us older Americans have? Does it cause any disrespect of a teacher?

[Volodiya]

TawtViet, If you have a problem with this, it may only be a matter of your not being big enough!

I observed class taught by a Brit who weighed in at over 300 (girth to match). The students liked him, a lot. At the end of the class, the most attractive and personable 22 year old girl in the class came up to him; patted him on the belly, and declared, "Name, you may be fat, but you're cute!

[sigmoid]

Yes, it's not just Americans, fat people come from all corners of the world. There are even some fat Thai men, usually of Chinese descent.

Anyway, I don't think it causes any disrespect. Thai people WILL always tell you that you're fat "oo-an" or if they haven't seen you in a while they will say that you're even fatter "oo-an keun", always in a playful manner.

And like Volodiya mentions some female students and sometimes younger staff will give it a pat and say something like "It's so big".

In spite of this, I've gone a diet and have managed to lose a few kilos.

In short, don't worry about it too much.

[TawtViet]

Thanks everyone,
I had heard that some Asian cultures severly judge overweight people. According to all your replys, the Thais sound delightful!

[PKB]

Do most peeps lose weight or gain weight when they relocate to Thailand?