I’m half Thai but born and raised in Canada, and this is my first trip to Thailand. I can only speak english, and there is a small part of me that felt I would be looked down upon for not knowing my mother’s language. But the interactions I had here were more touching than I could ever imagine.
The locals in Thailand often do assume I speak Thai, so they would try to start a conversation with me. It would be followed by me looking blankly, trying to figure out if I can somehow respond simply, then I would tell them I can’t actually understand Thai.
They would often smile warmly at me and laugh, and say in English, “You look Thai, you’re one of us!” This also led to conversations about where I’m from, and I also got to know a little about their lives as well.
After hearing some of their stories, I couldn’t help but also see myself in them…the trinket seller at the beach, masseuses, drink and food vendors, and bar girls that joined us for a game of pool.
As they spoke, I could see familiar physical features, like they could be related to my mother, or maybe we could have been mistaken for sisters or cousins. But it also made me realize how easily I could have been a different me if I was born in a different location, surrounded by a different community or culture, different education and opportunities.
It’s a funny feeling being very far from home, away from all things familiar, and connecting with strangers half way around the world that also feel very familiar.
Video and photos of our trip to Koh Samui, Thailand in January 2026:
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