Back in the 1900’s, Madame and I went trekking in the Golden Triangle (I’m not making this up). She became a bit obsessed with the many Buddhist monks who we would see: “Where do the live?” “Are they monks for life or just for a period of time?” “Do all Thai people do this?” “What’s the deal with the robes?” “How do I get one of those robes?”… The questions just kept coming.
So one day, we are in a Buddhist temple, sitting on the floor with our feet facing the back of the room (as one does). There’s a monk sitting across the floor from us and I see that Madame is staring at him. Before I can tell her that she’s being rude, I see him stand up and start walking towards us. As the fear of an international, cross-cultural incident rises in me, he says, “Who do you think will win the NBA Championships?” “Do you think I look like Michael Jordan? People say I look like Michael Jordan.”
We spoke with him for quite a while. He had approached us because he wanted to practice his English (which was quite good). Like most of the Thais that I met, he was extraordinarily open and responsive. He answered all of Madame’s questions and his interest in the NBA was unquestionably sincere. From what I gathered, it was not unique to him; NBA hoops was a big topic of interest among young Thais.