Several theoretical principles are illustrated in this story. First of all, the high-context sensitivity of the Thai enabled the student to determine that tom needed help without ever questioning the type of assistance needed. The student considered it an obligation to help the older professor, but displaying the true thainspirit of sanuk, mangrd to have fun providing assistance. The Thai notion of name jai, or the tendency of thais to view foreigners without suspicion, and kreng jai also plays an important role in understanding the Thai student’s behavior. The troubles confronted by tom did not contributed to his comfort and pleasure, so the student may have reciprocated for goodness done for him at an earlier time.