Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19
th Apr, 2011 at 9:39pm:
I know Thais who have lived in Vientiane for many years. I speak Lao to them and they speak Thai back to me, we obviously understand each other but we prefer to speak in our native language.
You just have to accept who they are, and there's no harm done.
I'm glad YOU have pride in your culture and are not taking a knee for them.
You did say that when Thai tourists cross the river for a visit, that the government EXPECTS it's citizens to do just that, right? Such expectations just sound too absurd to me! Like you just said, they have NO problems comprehending. I was only talking about the Lao - usually the older ones - that I know of. The younger generation couldn't care less. Responses are either gonna be in Lao or English, as far as we're concerned. No Thai! I have never, ever, met a Thai that actually tried to speak Lao. Even if they're familiar with Lao. Again, I'm just speaking about my own experiences!