I'm an undergrad student who is leaving to go study a semester at Mahidol University, with the intention of staying if I like it, and I'm hoping you guys can clear some things up for me.
1. Everywhere I read the only serious criminal threat to the individual is petty crimes. Is violent crime really lower than say NYC or my home city of Boston? (I'm rather skeptical.)
2. From what I understand Bangkok is going through a bit of an identity crisis between becoming another Westernized globalized city, or maintaining a unique Thai identity. So is Bangkok, granted it is the trading capital of SE. Asia, a Westernized city or is it still a Thai city?
3. Finally, any useful tips for getting around or surviving in general?
1. Everywhere I read the only serious criminal threat to the individual is petty crimes. Is violent crime really lower than say NYC or my home city of Boston? (I'm rather skeptical.)
2. From what I understand Bangkok is going through a bit of an identity crisis between becoming another Westernized globalized city, or maintaining a unique Thai identity. So is Bangkok, granted it is the trading capital of SE. Asia, a Westernized city or is it still a Thai city?
3. Finally, any useful tips for getting around or surviving in general?