There are some words and concepts in the Thai language of which there is no equivalent in English. So I\u2019m going to tell you a story, of which I hope you can relate to.<\/p>\n
The story starts off with a farang named Jason and his Thai girlfriend Lek. They are driving together on a trip to Nakon Nowhere, Thailand. Jason is new to Thailand, only having been there for a week.<\/p>\n
Jason\u2019s point of view:<\/p>\n
While driving, Jason is talking with his girl, just chit-chatting. He is telling her about Thai foods he doesn\u2019t like. As they pull up to a gas station to rest, and go inside to get some food, he notices she is avoiding him. A bit odd, but he thinks nothing of it – until he asks what she wants, and she just ignores him and walks away! Now Jason becomes very concerned!<\/p>\n
Lek\u2019s point of view:<\/p>\n
Lek is very proud of her Thai heritage, and wants Jason to enjoy all the things about her culture. But Jason keeps complaining about how bad Thai food is. Why is he such a jerk? It\u2019s putting her in a bad mood, but she doesn\u2019t know what to do. Flustered with emotion, she ignores him at the gas station. Maybe by acting like this Jason will realize how he insulted her heritage, and he\u2019ll apologize.<\/p>\n
Jason\u2019s point of view:<\/p>\n
Immediately Jason goes into the \u2018find out what is wrong\u2019 mode. So he follows her and tries to calm her down. He asks her what\u2019s wrong, and does it with a soft kind voice. He really loves her, but doesn\u2019t have a clue why she is mad at him.<\/p>\n
Lek\u2019s point of view:<\/p>\n
Jason came around and is being nice again. I told him how it was wrong for him to say bad things about Thai food, but then he explained that he couldn\u2019t eat spicy food. He also said he wasn\u2019t used to eating strange foods and it\u2019ll take him awhile to adjust.<\/p>\n
They both hug and sniff kiss, the end.<\/p>\n
So why did I tell you this story? It\u2019s to explain two words. The first is ngawn1, \u0e07\u0e2d\u0e19, which is what Lek did – got pouty and ignored Jason. The second word is ngaw4, \u0e07\u0e49\u0e2d, which is what Jason did \u2013 chase after the girl and make up. I\u2019m sure you can think back to a relationship of yours where something like this has happened.<\/p>\n
Now, it doesn\u2019t always play out like this. Some girls \u0e07\u0e2d\u0e19 to always get her way with the guy. And sometimes the guy is stubborn to admit fault and refuses to \u0e07\u0e49\u0e2d \u2013 as the girl walks out, the guy would say \u201cdon\u2019t forget your coat!\u201d Now, \u0e07\u0e2d\u0e19 isn\u2019t limited to women, as guys can do it to. Sometimes they\u2019ll get silent, or sarcastic. And I can think of a few times where my ex-girl brought me yummy food to \u0e07\u0e49\u0e2d and make up after a disagreement!<\/p>\n
Perhaps my explanation isn\u2019t so good, so this below commercial is a perfect example. The guy checks out another girl in front of his girlfriend, definitely a no-no. So the guy tries really hard to cheer her up and apologize. Turns out she forgave him right away, but she was enjoying him trying so hard she pretended she was still mad. The catch-line at the end is the secret to \u0e07\u0e49\u0e2d is simple \u2013 just give her Fisho snacks. I don\u2019t know if it will actually work, but I keep a bag in my kitchen just in case (I\u2019m being serious!).<\/p>\n