Different cultures, different attitudes, a very different sense of Humour... or is it? British irony, sarcasm will go straight over the head of the average Thai. Most Thais seem to love visual humour, slapstick, the risqué.
Borrowing an ancient scooter I asked for the key. The response of the katoey 'ladyboy' owner had everyone in fits. When finally they got around to explaining, the translation went: "A key? She's an ancient whore, stick anything in her and she'll perform..."
O.... kay....
So what's the joke? The onlookers don't seem that amused as a Thai policeman prepares to issue a ticket...
Of course the katoeys themselves are the 'butt' of much humour in Thailand. They often take the place of the Western clown in sitcoms. Dressing up has Thais in stitches. Slapstick and impersonations go down a treat. Being 'PC' isn't a concern - Race and sex are always good for a giggle - not least, the farangs. Jokes about being overweight? Dwarfism? Not a problem.
But some humour is global. Maybe we're not so different after all...
