Key tips for acting the fool and pretending you’re a newbie in town!

If you have lived in Thailand for a few years, or several years like many ex-pats have, the girls can tell very quickly. Most bar girls, for example, will treat a newbie in town much better than a Pattaya veteran. The reason is that most tourists, also known as 'newbies', have not yet developed the cynical attitude that some long-term residents acquire.

To experience that 'newbie' treatment again, you need to play the part effectively. Here are a few tips:

• Ask questions: Even if you know the answer, ask simple questions about local landmarks or cultural norms.
• Stay optimistic: Avoid complaining about the weather, the traffic, or the "good old days." Newbies are characterized by their sense of wonder.
• Keep your wallet accessible: Being overly cautious or counting pennies is a sign of someone who has lived here long enough to be wary.
• Dress for the holiday: Lose the faded local bar t-shirt and opt for something a bit brighter.

Ultimately, it's about shifting your mindset. If you act like you are seeing the city with fresh eyes, you’ll find that the interactions you have naturally change for the better.