28th May 2024: What is it like to be born in Thai culture but grow up in a multicultural community

I was born and raised in a 100% Thai family in which everyone came from very conservative parents in Suphan Buri, located in the central region of Thailand near Bangkok. I was taught to be a good daughter by my grades at school and how I behaved with the elders. I always obey my parents though I sometimes think it does not fit me. The only lesson I can remember when I have a deep talk with my dad is 'You will need to be responsible for your actions and choices and the outcomes.' It's just simple. Everyone knows that. However, it's very Asian and somehow related to Buddhism that 'what goes around comes around.' I always keep it in mind because I'm also a Buddhist. However, as I grew older, I learned another lesson and side of the story: ‘ We only live once.' (YOLO) We only have this life. We don't know what it is like to be in another life. Just do what you want so you won't regret it.

Because of my work, I have met many people from various cultures and languages. Some are from Europe. Some are from Asia. Some are from a multicultural society like the US, where everyone speaks more than 2 languages. One of my friends, who lives in Atlanta, can also speak fluently in Portuguese and Spanish. I have realized that I'm not 100% Thai anymore. I have completely mixed. I'm wide awake and willing to learn more about the world around me. I can't stop. I'm now open. The world is too big for me to explore. My life has changed. I don't believe anything I once believed before. I try to get out of the box as soon as I can. Fortunately, my family understands me. I have a chance to do whatever I want. (Just take responsibility for my actions at the end) I have been working at a company where the students were sent to study in schools and universities in the UK every year. I also have an opportunity to work with a partner in the UK. I've learned many things from them. I'm blessed.

Around 5 years ago, I was an intern student at a university in Japan while I was studying for a master’s degree in Thailand. I’m not the same person I was before. As a result, I decided to study abroad in Japan to study the Japanese language. I’m now living in Japan, as an international student, which is one of the most conservative countries in the world. Having been living here for 1 year, I have realized that though I’m Asian, I don’t fit this community. I’m more independent, I have my way of life, and I don’t want my ability to be restricted by gender, race, experience, age, and hierarchy. In Thailand, we also have this kind of issue. One of my friends has graduated from a Thai university and worked as a teacher in Australia. She has just come back to Thailand and she’s now in the process of job hunting in her 30s. Everywhere she went said the same reason why they don’t want to hire her. She’s overqualified and overaged. I don’t see it happening in Europe countries. If you fit the job, you will get hired no matter how age you are or where you graduated.

What is it like to be born in Thai culture but grow up in a multicultural community? I want to say that I now get confused and frustrated with the system and the society I was born because I know that they can’t be changed.

I always have a culture shock every time I go back home. Not because of my family but the society.
I'm so tired.
Patiently, I still want to know where I belong. Or in fact, I don't belong anywhere.