Now this varies from one boy to the next, but generally speaking Thais don’t like to say “no” or “I don’t know”. Instead they will say yes. The explanation I’ve gotten is Thais loose face when saying no or I don’t know. Assuming this is accurate, I have to believe it’s the simple answer, otherwise there would be a total breakdown in communication within the society as a whole. It does suggest that the Thai language has ways of dealing with it. And if you think about it, the English language does as well. We all know how to say no with out actually saying no, but those with a limited vocabulary would not enjoy that luxury.

Photo Courtesy of Asia Boy

Regardless, this communication barrier does exist, and when it is in response to a yes or no question there is no way to spot it. You just have to assume that yes may not be yes, something I’m lousy at remembering to do.

The more obvious is when a boy answers yes to a multiple choice question, as apposed to saying I don’t know, and should be an indicator he will also answer yes when it’s really no. So, perhaps testing a boy with a series of multiple choice questions will help identify those that can’t be trusted with yes or no answers. However, a lot of Thais will respond with “not sure” when they don’t know, and in Thai English “not sure” does mean I don’t know. I’m just guessing here, but “not sure” isn’t really the same as saying “I don’t know”, so its use may be a way of staying within a certain comfort zone.

The bottom line is this does exist, and you have to be on the lookout for it. More important, no matter how frustrating it is, you can not get angry with the boy when he does it.