Escapism is a Four-Day Adventure.

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The keywords in Bangkok are: Sanuk and Len.

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Because if it isn’t "sanuk" then why do it?

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Sanuk means to have a good time and enjoy oneself.

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It is almost a rule of living for Thai people that whatever they do have to be "sanuk".

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The concept of "sanuk" goes beyond the moments of a good laugh or a good time at a dance or a performance. Rather it's the pumped-up adrenaline and sustained bouyant feeling you need all the time to keep on going in Life in a manner devoid of worry. I think it is an inherent sociological trait that allows the poorer Thais to wade through everyday of their inadequate lives trying not to think excessively of their miserable existence - a subtle escapism from reality.

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Some examples of "sanuk" activities :

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Thamngan sanuk - enjoying work.

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Khui sanuk - enjoying a good chat / being a good chatter.

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Daa sanuk - taking pleasure in scolding your friends ( and enjoying it ).

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Thuuk daa sanuk - enjoying people scolding you ( and not even near masochistic ).

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If you want to meet the real locals it’s actually dead easy.

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Show you are enjoying yourself, lob the biggest grin on your face, and look approachable. Who cares how old, how large, how smelly (well they do mind the smelly bit) you are, you will find Thais coming up and wanting to be part of your “sanuk”.

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The same concept of deriving enjoyment from whatever one does is reflected also in the use of the word "len".

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Poot len - you’re having a laugh / talking cock.

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Len pool mister? - Do you fancy a game of pool?

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Maybe Sanuk and Len (and tomyam) may actually help us all understand the priority of these tumultous Thais.

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So every once in a while a bit of “sanuk” is certainly a good “len” - like the calling of Chatuchak and other shopping places for the crazy bargain-hunters in all of us (take a cue from the land of a thousand smiles, stressed people out there).

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However personal experience tells me you can never have your 300THB back for not wearing a crash helmet on your rented motorbike, because Sanuk can only go so far.

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