CURRENT MISSION

to try to help people get the the most out of Thailand. I was helped by some great friends when i fist moved here and its nice to play my part now.

ABOUT ME

Hello, my name is Robert but my friends and family call me Grant. I am from England but now living in Bangkok Thailand where I am working as an English teacher. I love to travel and experience different and exiting places which is why I have ended up living in Bangkok. I decided to spend a year living here while traveling 5 years ago. Well that was 3 years ago now and im still enjoying Thailand.

PHILOSOPHY

Treat people how you expect to be treated. I guess im talking Karma. Not in a my name is earl kind of way, but everyone deserves respect and time, if they keep it is up to them.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I cant really say i am yet, just joined. But ill try my best to do my part.

Interests

i am interested in everything and nothing depends on my mood.

• walking
• clubbing
• traveling
• teaching

Teach, Learn, Share

Here are a few tips I can think of for someone coming to Bangkok for the fist time.
1. Get a map.
Bangkok can be confusing so it’s a good idea to get a map to help get your bearings. Saying that it’s not a good idea to wave your map at taxi drivers as you are walking up to them with a big sign saying “I don’t know where I’m going please rip me off” So at least try to give the impression that you have some idea of where you’re going to taxi drivers.
2. While we are on taxi drivers.
Try to avoid the tuktuks as much as you can, I understand that you want to have your photo taken in them and go for a little ride. But only use them for this if you want to actually go somewhere take a taxi or use the BTS or MRT. These are the metro trains in Bangkok. The BTS (sky train) runs in the sky, hence the name while the MRT is the underground service. These are very cheap and fast and can help you avoid Bangkok’s crazy traffic. Ok back to tuktuks and taxis, If a tuktuk drivers comes to tell you the thing you want to see is closed and he can take to you a better one, Guess what???? He is not telling the truth lol. As I said before a taxi is the much better option. But ALWAYS ALWAYS use the meter. If they give you a hard time about it or don’t seem to know where you want to go just get out and flag down another one, there are so many taxis to choose from in Bangkok. The meter should always start on 35bt and then goes up depending on distance. The only time you should pay more is if you phone for a taxi, use the express way or take one from the airport 50bt.
3. Try to learn a few words in Thai.
Thai people love it when you try to speak Thai no matter how bad your attempt.
4. Don’t be stupid.
There is no reason to be scared in Bangkok only to be careful. 99.9% of Thai people are great and every city has a few bad apples. But saying that don’t be stupid most of the stories I hear about people being taking advantage of is people being stupid and not looking after their belongings or themselves in the correct way. Please don’t leave your brain at the airport.
5. Respect Thai people.
It really annoys me when I see the tourist shouting at a Thai person (they don’t understand you they are not deaf) or even talking to them like they are stupid. Treat them how you would expect a visitor in your country to behave towards you. But saying this at times it can be hard not to keep your cool.
6. Try to keep your cool.
To lose your temper is seen as a loss of face so try not to do it and remember most Thai people will not lose their temper and will smile at you even if they are angry.
7. Carry a copy of your passport.
You may get asked for this from time to time and its better than taking your original around with you. You are supposed to carry a form of ID on you at all times in Thailand and will be ask for this if you are going to some of the better non Kohsan rd clubs (even if you look about 40)
8. Get out of kohsan rd.
I have had so many friends or talked to so many people who tell me how they hate Bangkok. When I ask them where they went in Bangkok they tell me only kohsan rd and the grand palace. Bangkok is a big, fantastic and interesting city with so much to see and enjoy. It has such a diverse selection of activities. And guess what you can’t see them from kohsan rd.
9. Ok this is my fist rant. I’m sure ill add to this and bore some more people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Cook Islands, Egypt, Fiji, France, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Laos, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand