Lao Isan Smile/s / booksmango (ePub)

Secrets of the Sticky Rice Lao Isan Folks

Many smiles have been examined but what of the famous Lao Isan Smile/s? It turns out they are less problematic, more good-hearted and less agenda-heavy than some smiles one might get. In fact, the Lao Isan people are what keep Thailand bubbling along with good food, nice people and giggly girls. They built Bangkok, they made the roads, they clean the buildings and at night they watch over their city as security guards. In fact, Thais and Laos have an interesting intermix in culture and in history. Add in the Bangkok Chinese owning most of everything and there are some real dynamics going on. Actually, rural provincial people anywhere in Thailand tend to be salt of the earth people, no chips on the shoulder, and fun. Having fun, sanuk, is a big deal for many Isan people. Finances go up and down, but the Isan people laugh and keep driving their tuktuks, driving their taxis and plowing their rice fields. For those new to Thailand Lao is a separate language as Portuguese is from Spanish. In fact, there are a lot of different languages, cultures and peoples. The predominate bunch now, though, are the Isan people. They can outvote Bangkok. Isan people are not only all over Bangkok, they are in the north and even in the south. Hence, it is good to have an understanding of them. I might add that with the permutations of modernity the Lao who were happy and out of a laugh, are now getting a bit sour. Progress can sometimes push too many buttons. In the end, Lao Isan Smile/s takes a look at the lighter side of life and posits a futuristic Isan Sisaket space station Duh Supah Moh Badekbong.

This is a way to examine the present by exploring a possible future in the galaxy. Finally, for tourists and expats, the more you know about people including yourself, the more life can be fulfilling and enjoyable.