The Thais have a tendency to accept rather than to challenge. One might, in fact, draw the conclusion that the Thai personality has a built-in mechanism to resist change, though they are generally willing to incorporate new attitudes and new patterns of behavior if they are perceived as pleasant, or it appears as sanook, meaning fun or pleasant. In their view, there are relatively few other cultures that are more sanook than their own.
The stereotype of the hot-headed and emotional American persists alongside an appreciation of his friendliness and frankness. The Thais are able to treat the Farang (the Thai word for Westerner) as a fellow human being. They do not feel the need to display a superiority complex or to hide inadequacies.
The Thais have fortunately avoided the sometimes psychologically confused and troubled state of formerly colonized people. There is a firm foundation, devoid of anti-Farang sentiments, on which to build better understanding between the Thai and Farang communities.
The Thais are friendly, adaptable, and have a good sense of fun. There are only two things the Thais are not flexible about and the American should be careful and respectful about them at all times. These are a deep and abiding love and respect for the Royal Family, and for Buddhism.